They Call Me Zsa Zsa

Get Organized: Closet Update

I’m back with one of my “get organized” spring 2023 projects. This project is going much slower than I anticipated. To date, I finished the middle section of the closet. Hopefully, I will start and finish the other sections soon.

Initially, when I started the project I was fired up. and anxious to start/complete the task. However, we all know what happens once the excitement wanes. REALITY SETS IN!

After the reality check, I collected my thoughts and began to take an inventory of items needed for the closet. Thank goodness I only needed a few things. My biggest pet peeves were the mix-matched hangers, and a lack of space to hang things I wore regularly. I knew the hangers had to go. So, my first order of business was to get matching ones. Plus, I needed to come up with a solution to free up space in the closet.

I was fortunate to find a set of 50 hangers at Sam’s Club for $14.48. I love the black velvet look with the silver swivel hooks. I purchased two boxes to be on the safe side. Also, I came up with a space saving idea for the closet.

My shoes were all over the place. I wanted most if not all of them offs the floor. So, I ordered this shoe rack from Amazon, and I love it. The rack is expandable and it was very easy to assemble.

This picture is a reminder Just in case you forgot my shoe situation.

I also purchased acrylic bins. I found my bins at Marshall’s but you can get them from amazon too.

I chose to organize the closet in the center first.

I took everything out of the closet and started three piles; keep, donate, and store.

Next, I assembled the shoe rack and added the shoes. Now, doesn’t that look better than before? If you need a reminder of my “shoe situation” scroll back a few pics. Just sayin!

To make the most out of my closet space, I stored seasonal items and items that I don’t wear/use regularly under the bed. Since the majority of my wardrobe is jeans/blazers. I used the multilayer hangers that I had on hand for hanging the jeans. Using them allowed me to get more items in the closet.

I placed the jeans to the far left of the closet. Then I added denim jackets, blazers, and blouses.

Finally, I added clear bins on the top shelf that house all my scarves/headwraps. Since my suitcase took up so much floor space, I decided to put it on the shelf too.

Lovelies, what do you think? I think this space looks and functions better. Even though it’s super tiny, the items I use regularly are inside.

Guess what? I only have two more spaces to organize. My goal is to have the project completed before fall. Keep your fingers crossed!

Chat soon,

Zsa Zsa

Living Room Update:

Spring is in full force around these parts, and I’ve been a busy little bee. Hopefully, this post will bring you up to speed on what’s been happening in my world.

Let’s see! I started the closet makeover in mid-march. The project is partially complete. I will share the total transformation at a later date.

In mid-February, I went on a little hiatus to get life licensed. The process took ten days from start to finish. First, I took a forty-hour pre-licensure course. Then, on February 27, I took the state exam and passed. Now, I’m a licensed Insurance agent in Florida. I have a lot to learn but I guess that comes with the territory.

Also, in February, I shared my small space living room reveal. I loved how the space turned out. However, I needed to purchase a rug and coffee table. Plus, I wanted to tweak the artwork.

The chest and rug are too small for the space.

The room looked like this after the reveal. As I said, I love how the space turned out. However, the existing coffee table/chest and the rug were too small.

During March, I managed to do several mini-projects around the apartment that never made it onto the blog. Sorry, I will do better. Who knows, I may post some of the projects later. Ok, that covers February and March. Wait a minute! I forgot to mention I found the perfect rug for my living room. Yay!

I love this rug and how it grounds the space. The large scale of the pattern makes a bold Statement.

We traveled to North Florida in April to attend my granddaughter’s baptism. We arrived on Thursday, and we stayed until Sunday after the baptism.

Since my daughter/son wouldn’t be off until Saturday, we decided to do family time on that day. We made plans to take an early morning power walk, visit the farmers market, and the art show at the park.

Early Saturday morning, my daughter, myself, and Pa Pa struck out in the direction of the local farmers market; which happened to be a three-mile trek.

En route, we passed one of my favorite thrift stores. We slowed down just enough for me to spot a coffee table I thought might work, for my small space.

After our walk, we jumped in the car and headed back to the thrift store. We took a quick measurement to make sure the table would fit in the truck. It did! We loaded it up and headed back to the house.

I purchased the rug several weeks before I found the coffee table. I have gotten so many compliments on this rug. I think it works quite well in the space.

I decided to put the seashell print behind the sofa. I think I like it better there.

Ok, so that pretty much wraps up the last few months of what’s been happening with me. So, what do you think about the changes? Do you like the rug? What about the table? I love the whole shebang

Chat soon

Zsa Zsa

Spring 2023…Get Organized

My spring break began on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. And I thought to myself. I have eleven days to do whatever I want. Oh, how I wish that were the case.

Yesterday and the day before, I did a bit of spring cleaning. To get me in the cleaning mood, I cranked up the volume on the classical music and got busy cleaning. I also had the diffuser on full blast. I found an essential oil blend for spring that I love! It’s a mix of geranium, lemon, and grapefruit. My apartment smells amazing.

While I cleaned, I took a moment to assess what I needed to do to make my small space live big. I summed up the assessment in two words. GET ORGANIZED! Guess what? I plan to get organized asap.

First up on the get-organized list is the bedroom closest. Wow, the closet looks fantastic as long as the doors are closed. This is the point in the post where I say, wait for it!

If I must say so myself, the closet is doing the most; but not in a good way! And all the readers nodded yes. Instead of one large closet, I inherited three tiny ones. What’s a girl to do?

**Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse!**

**I have to admit, I do like the flooring! Lol**

**To paint or not to paint the bookcases is the question**.

The bookcase comes in at number two on the get-organized list. As you can see, a lot is going on here. I found the bookcases on the FB marketplace. They were very inexpensive, 20 bucks a piece. The goal is to find a home for everything that’s not supposed to be on the shelves. I bought the bookcases to display decorative items etc. It wasn’t supposed to be a catch-all.

Number three is the patio. The goal is to have the space ready by mid-spring in hopes of hosting a girls’ night out. Keep your fingers crossed. One of the dilemmas with this space is the compressor. It belongs to the unit downstairs. I have no idea how it ended up on the upstairs patio. However, I think I have the perfect cover-up for the compressor.

Before I forget, in my last post, I talked about finding a rug for the living room. Guess what? I found one. It will be delivered tomorrow. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Ok, beautiful people, I think that’s it for now. Join me next week for more on how I plan to get organized in my small space!

Chat soon

Zsa Zsa

Use What You Have: Small Space Living Room Reveal

Hello beautiful people and happy February!

Today is the reveal of my small living space. However, before we get started, there’s a backstory. You know how I love those!

In late October I posted about “Plans for Decorating my Small Space.” You can read about it here. One of the things I talked about in that post was painting. I knew that the right colors would freshen things up a bit.

I headed to Home Depot and gathered several colors that appealed to me. I chose paint swatches for the walls, furniture, and front door. I was on a roll. Until…I took inventory of the scope of the projects.

I needed to buy the paint, get the paint up my quirky staircase, rent a ladder, and get it upstairs too. You know the drill. Guess what lovelies, I decided not to paint. And I forged ahead with the rest of the project.

Enough of that, are you ready for the “Use What You Have Small Space Living Room Reveal?” Try saying that three times. Lol! Take it away…

How quaint and cozy is this space? The furniture is not apartment-size but it fits the space nicely. I think the scale of the furniture makes the area appear larger. What about the artwork? I took the seashell picture and the blue tango picture on an outing at Bok Tower Gardens.

I put the room together using preexisting furniture and décor. I am a big fan of using what you have, especially if you can make it work. I know the rug and the coffee table are too small. However, they will work until I find something I love.

Although the furniture is not my style, I think it makes quite a statement. The addition of exotic pillows makes the sofa look less formal. I intentionally left the side table blank. This allows me to place a book or drink down without having to move anything.

Everyone that enters the space loves the chaise lounge. It’s starting to grow on me too. I guess she’s a keeper.

I am on the hunt for the perfect rug and coffee table. Hopefully, I will find something soon. Either way, I’ll keep you posted.

I love mixing patterns, don’t you? Let’s see, there are stripes, chevrons, and diamonds. And the tray is faux skin of some sort.

I snapped this picture with my iPhone. This is how the entertainment wall looked before I added the artwork and accessories, to the wall above the TV.

I liked the look before I added the extra stuff. But my space is minimal. If I can’t store it. I have to hang it. Thank goodness for tons of wall space.

Ok lovelies, what do you think? I love the end result. Also, I’m stoked because I didn’t spend a penny on this project.

Now that you’ve seen the reveal, to paint or not to paint is the question.

Would you paint, yes or no? Leave your comments below.

Chat soon,

Zsa Zsa

Christmas Table Setting 2022

Happy Monday,

It was cold on Christmas day in Florida. The low temp was 30 and the high was 47. Northerners, don’t you dare laugh. That’s a big deal around here. Normally, we schlep around in sandals and shorts. But not this year. We were clad in our boots, scarves, and furry hats. It felt like Christmas. Yay!

Today, I’m popping in to share pics of the Christmas Table Setting for this year. My goal was to share the table with you earlier in the month. However, those plans were derailed.

The table décor consists of items purchased from Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Sam’s Club. This post has tons of pics. By the way, I also added a few pics of the Christmas tree. Enjoy!

Gift bags stuffed with tissue paper added a touch of whimsy to the table.

The centerpiece is a Christmas Tree I purchased at Dollar Tree.

All the items on the tree were purchased at Dollar Tree, except for the ribbon (Sam’s) and the bird. (Walmart)

To create the napkin I pinched the fabric in the center and added the rubber band. Afterward, I clipped the butterfly to the rubber band. Enjoy, the rest of the pics!

Thanks for stopping by!

Chat Soon,

Zsa Zsa

Use What You Have Thanksgiving Table Setting

Hello All, and Happy Thanksgiving

While we were waiting on Hurricane Nicole’s arrival. I needed to do something to occupy my time. So, I asked Reginald if I could set the table for Thanksgiving. He agreed.

Since we were stuck inside I decided this would be a great time to create a “use what you have table setting.” To create this type of setting, you pick out items you love and make them work in/with the setting.

The first thing I did was ask Reginald what pieces/items he loved and would like to see on the table.

His response was Orchids, African figurines, Greek Key Stemware, and copper salad plates. I gathered all the items and shopped the house for more items that I thought might work.

I used the Orchids as a starting point and built from there. Initially, I considered using a tablecloth. However, I decided against it. I wanted to show off most of the table’s imperfections.

Before I added the Orchids to the table, I put a scarf down first. The scarf served two purposes. It kept the rocks from falling inside the holes in the table. Secondly, it served as a parameter/boundary to ensure the dinner guests won’t mistake a rock for a piece of turkey. It’s okay to set boundaries. Lol.

Hopefully, when the guests leave all the rocks will be accounted for.

Once the Orchids were installed, the figurines, candles, and rocks came. For a bit of sparkle, I added the gold Christmas ornaments.

The placemats are a win in my book. Even though they are different the two patterns work wonderfully together. You like?

To create the look of the napkin. It was folded lengthwise., and then folded in half. I pinched the napkin in the center and added the napkin ring. Check out the different patterns. Let’s see, there’s a paisley, a diamond, and checks.

The shimmer of the copper salad plates, gold flatware, and gold-rimmed stemware adds a festive yet understated touch of elegance to the reclaimed table.

What do Orchids, African figurines, and rocks have to do with Thanksgiving? If you said Absolutely nothing, I beg to differ. I know this isn’t a typical table setting but who cares?

By using a bit of creativity and what was available we created a custom Thanksgiving Table Setting for the homeowner/Reginald.

So, what do you think? Reginald loves the table and I think It looks amazing. Don’t be afraid of trying something different. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating something that suits your personality/style.

Lovelies, don’t eat too much turkey, and enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving!

Chat soon,

Zsa Zsa

Plans for Decorating my Small Space

Hello all!

Today I am back with ideas/plans for decorating my small space/living area. As you know, I live in a 640 square feet studio apartment. You can see inside here. I have downsized twice in the past four years. So, I am acquainted with living in small quarters.

Even though the space is tiny, I am excited about making this apartment my own. As I write this post, I have a few projects underway. One of the changes I plan to make is to paint. Right now, the walls are green. Since the apartment is shy on windows, I figure the right paint color will lighten things up.

I donated my sofa. What was I thinking? 🤷🏽‍♀️

Back Story

When I moved from north Florida, I donated most of my furnishings. Even my beloved couch. I found her at a thrift shop for $55. I liked the simplicity of the sofa more than anything. That was the reason I purchased it.

I wanted to get the sofa reupholstered, but I never got around to it. Why did I donate one of my favorite pieces of furniture?

Since ya girl gave away most of her stuff, the new apartment would be devoid of furniture for a while. Did I mention I gave away the bed too?

About a month before I moved into my apartment, my friend/realtor Kathie called with some good news. She wanted to know if I could use a sofa and chaise. She stated the items were in mint condition and were free. So, what’s a girl to do that’s furniture less? Say yes, to the ~~dress~~/furniture!

Well, I said yes to the furniture. However, the pieces are not what I would choose for myself, but that’s ok. I’m looking at the bigger picture. Living in the studio is temporary. I may be here for two years at most. Then I plan to purchase a home. So, I figure, why should I commit to furnishings that may or may not work in my forever home?

I have a set of the wicker baskets pictured above. They are from Pier 1. I purchased them at a thrift store in North Florida for cheap! They are perfect for my small space and will make great side tables.

I love the look of the Broyhill consoles. When I purchased them, they were brown. They will receive a fresh coat of paint for this makeover too.

I breathed new life into the chests with a green and yellow paint combo.

This is how the chests look presently. But they won’t be this way for long. I’ve looked at several paint swatches. However, I haven’t decided on one. Who knows what color I may paint them. You’ll just have to wait and see!

All the items pictured will be used in my tiny living area. By the way, all of the pieces are standard size, There is no apartment-size furniture here.

There are other items that I will use in the space. However, I don’t want to spill all the tea in this post. I figure that way you’ll keep coming back for more, Pretty clever huh?

Lovelies, enjoy the rest of your week!

Chat soon,

Zsa Zsa

My New Apartment Tour

Happy Friday.,

The weather here in Florida is delightful. Yesterday, I awoke to a temperature of 52 degrees. In Florida, we refer to those temps as sweater and boot weather. Northerners, don’t you dare laugh at us. Hopefully, the high temperature will stay in the mid to low eighties. That’s the perfect climate for tackling DIY projects.

Last week I shared a sneak peek of the exterior of the apartment. If you missed that post, you can; see it here. Today it’s all about the interior, and my plans to make this space my own. So, let’s take it inside.

I’ve lived here for about three months. There are some things I love about the unit and others I don’t.

I love the spiral staircase!

And the oversized screen patio. It was one of the things that sold me on the property. The patio’s square footage increases the living area significantly. I plan to spend the bulk of my time here when the temperature gets cooler.

**Picture was taken from MLS** **The washer and dryer are in the little room next to the compressor**

The one thing I don’t like about the room is the AC compressor. It belongs to the unit downstairs. However, it’s on my patio. Eventually, I will build a partition to hide it. And who knows what else I may do.

Since the patio receives full sun, I plan to use painter’s drop cloths to make curtains. The curtains will block the sun and add some privacy when needed

I think the right pop of color on the front door will spice things up. Besides, the landlord gave me the go-ahead to paint, and I don’t want to disappoint her!

Welcome to my 640 square feet studio apartment. You can see most of the apartment from the front door. Although the space is tight, I am confident I can make it work!

The apartment came furnished but I prefer to put my own stamp on the place.

I’ve been scouring the internet for ideas on enclosing the sleeping area without doing construction. Have any ideas? Please leave a comment.

The bathroom is spacious for such a tiny apartment. However, the shower is small. But I’m happy to report it’s big enough for me.

Is this the cutest little kitchen, or what? Even though it’s Tom Thumb-sized, it has everything I need. The remaining pictures are from the day I moved in.

To date, I’ve finished putting almost everything away. There are a few boxes left on the patio that I will donate, and that is it!

The living space is first up on the to-do list, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Did I mention that the green paint has got to go? Yep!

I think I will throw a paint party. Guess what? You’re invited! I will keep you posted on the day and time!

We are almost at the end of my tiny apartment tour, but before I go…

**I didn’t know Alexa does dishes. Did you?**

I spotted the dish towel at Octoberfest, and I could not resist. You already know. If I wake up and the dishes are done, I’m out of here. And I won’t stick around to ask questions!

So what do you think? Yay or Nay to living here! Have a great weekend friends!

Chat soon,

Zsa Zsa

My New Digs…Sneak Peek

October is in full swing, and I love it! I relish this time of year for a few reasons. First, I live in Florida, and the weather is a little cooler now. Next, I get to attend as many fests and bazaars as I possibly can. I love browsing/looking at the Artisan’s handiwork. Lastly, October signifies that the holidays/Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching.

Before I share pics of my new digs, you guessed it. I have a back story! As you may know, we sold our dream/forever home on May 5th. You can read about it here, here, and here. The next day, I packed my suitcase and headed five hours north. My lease was up at the end of June. So, that meant more packing/moving for me.

It took a few weeks to get all the packing done. After I finished packing, I had a major dilemma looming. I couldn’t find a new place. And if I didn’t find something asap, I would be homeless!

June 30th came and left. Guess what? I didn’t have a place to stay. So, off to the hotel I went, where I stayed for a few weeks.

Finding a rental property was difficult. Especially an affordable one. However, I found a cute little bungalow in a neighboring town. I did all the pertinent things to secure the rental. Then, a few days later, I received some bad news. The owner decided not to rent the property. What’s a girl to do?

I found another adorable rental in the same town. I filled out the application and received a speedy reply. The answer was no!

After several attempts to land a rental, I was ready to throw in the towel on the rental search, but my Realtor came to the rescue. She sent me a link to my current digs. We toured the place, I loved it, and the rest is history.

The apartment is tucked away in the middle of the complex. It’s a second-story unit that’s above a business. I like the semi-seclusion and the proximity to the places I frequent.

The structure was built in the early seventies. I like the character and the quirky spiral staircase. Plus, my Landlord is AWESOME! She says I can do whatever I want to in this place. So, stay tuned. There will be a lot of DIYing, decorating, and entertaining going on!

Did I mention the apartment is a studio with approximately 640 square feet? No worries, it’s just me living here. I will make it work!

**My previous apartment was 850 sq ft.**

I’ve lived in the unit since July nineteenth. However, the movers didn’t deliver my belongings until a few weeks later. So far, I’ve unpacked all the boxes, and slowly but surely everything is falling into place. It took me some time to get acclimated to the space. Especially, since I lost 200 square feet of living area. As I said earlier, “I WILL MAKE IT WORK!”

**I think a beautiful pot filled with colorful annuals would look amazing in the graveled area.**

I have quite a few ideas up my sleeve for my new place. Next month, I’m hosting a girls’ night out. And I promise to keep you posted on whatever else I plan to do over here.

So, how do you like my new place so far? I know the spiral staircase may be a turn-off to some, but that’s one of the reasons I like the unit. Would you like to see the inside? If so, come back next week, and I’ll give you the tour!

Chat Soon,

Zsa Zsa

Hurricane Ian…After the Storm

Hello All,

As promised, here are a few pics of Hurricane Ian. The storm brought major flooding, downed trees, power, and water outages, in my area. It’s safe to say that we were fortunate. Some areas in Florida can’t say the same. Please keep Florida in your prayers