Top Shelf: Martha Stewart Organizing

If you've ever subscribed to Martha Stewart Living magazine, you've likely come across the calendar feature at the front of each issue. It's very charming, but always makes me feel woefully unprepared for seasonal routines. In fairness, some of Martha's activities (maple sugaring, anyone?) and celebrity obligations simply don't apply to me, but I do appreciate the other prompts.

Her book, Martha Stewart Organizing, is a helpful guide for both the organizing newbie or seasoned expert. She shares some of the basics and favorite products before jumping in to the monthly calendars like those in each of her magazines.

Then, this large segment features all of the seasonal tasks that one might find themselves inclined or required to complete. A few that I found especially useful are below, though I encourage you to review this portion of the book for those most relevant to you:

January

- schedule health appointments for the year

- purchase new bedding (sales!)

February

- make freezer meals

March

- give yourself a pedicure

- update cleaning supplies

April

- wash winter coats

- swap seasonal gear

May

- secure Peony support (seriously, if you don't do this, they will fall over)

June

- stock summer wine and citronella

September

- swap seasonal gear

October

- plant bulbs

November

- sharpen skates

In parts two and three, there are all kinds of other helpful ideas for cleaning, crafting, designing and stocking your home, broken down in separate categories. In section two, there is a rundown of evaluations and tips by space, and then by routine or activity in part three. In these sizeable sections, the imagery is a major part of the charm, but I found a few tips to share as well:

My favorite cleaning tip:

Run an empty dishwasher on short cycle with 1 cup baking soda on the bottom 4 times per year. (Excuse me while I go run to the kitchen for a quick sec!)

My favorite food tip:

Double batch all casseroles for another week's meal.

My favorite kid tip:

Every sport or activity has its own bag.

All in all, it's the best of Martha! If you enjoy the magazine and you like sprucing up your home, it's a quick and easy read, with all of the beautiful photography you've come to expect from the magazine.

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