Columnist Muriel Stevens: Organizing at Organized Living

It's a challenge to keep closets and kitchen cabinets and drawers organized, but it's not impossible. It helps if you periodically dispose of items no longer used, but how many of us do it? That's why stores such as Organized Living are so successful.

They supply a multitude of products designed to help get us on the right track. They also carry a number of tempting items that you may not need.

During a recent visit to Organized Living at Sunset Road and Stephanie Street, I wasn't looking for anything special, but old habits die hard. I had to remind myself that many of the items tempting me were items I'd disposed of when I sold my house.

I didn't need a sleeve roll (an ironing aid) the first time I bought it and I certainly don't need one now, but for those who do not send their shirts and blouses to the cleaners it might be a handy thing to have.

The variety of storage and organizing aids found there is quite extensive, so I like to wander the aisles just in case there's something new since my last visit.

The emphasis was on back-to-school for all-age kids, including college. Dorm rooms rarely have enough closet or storage space. With a little imagination and not too much money, a dreary room can be turned into a fun place.

Many of the recommended-for-school things are on sale. There's even a back-to-school catalog where the sale items can be found. All of the items were in stock when I was there.

Sturdy small-to-large-size plastic drawer units are priced from $11.95-$19.95. Colorful authentic commercial-grade dairy crates can be stacked to maximize limited space areas.

One new item gave me a good laugh -- a blow-up vinyl hamper complete with lid. I don't know too many kids who do their laundry weekly. Most of them wait until they're down to their last clothing item, but this hamper is fun and it's easy to transport and store.

One Organized Living exclusive, a tabletop ironing board with built-in iron rest, cover and pad, folds for easy storage. I also liked the plastic clipboards with a carrying handle and storage space. It latches tightly, so papers won't fall out. This is the perfect travel case for the crossword puzzles I save to take with me when I travel. It would readily fit into most tote bags. Kids of any age would love one of the cool metal lunch boxes, plain or emblazoned with street signs or designs.

This is just a tiny segment of what can be found at Organized Living.

Sur La Table catalogs: Just got the catalogs from the Sur La Table cookery shop opening Aug. 17 at the Desert Passage shopping, dining and entertainment complex. This store I may not be able to resist! Such a wonderful collection of housewares, tabletops, cookware and accessories.

Among the many things I'll probably succumb to is a marble meat pounder ($34.95). It shouldn't require much effort to achieve a thinly pounded chicken breast with the thick, marble-pounding end. Eggplant, zucchini and yellow-squash bud vases (hand-wash only) would be a terrific accent for an informal table, and I liked the glass salt container with a wood lid -- so much easier to keep clean than the all-wood versions. It's not a minute too soon to make space in my kitchen!

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