Organizing and My Lola

Recently I've been wanting to redo my pantry shelf. It's just 2 bookshelves that I got for FREE on craigslist a few months ago. In our cozy condo, we needed more pantry space so God provided us with bookshelves. Just what we needed.

Here's a picture of the one of the bookshelves before...

Not too bad but I wanted to spruce it up a bit. Yes, we are a snacking family. Yes a couple of containers are empty cuz' I didn't get to refill them before I took the picture. Oh well.

On a recent trip to Target I went to the dollar section and found these...

I immediately knew what I wanted to use them for. So I snatched up a few, after all they were only $1 each and off I went to "fix up" my shelves.

I used Mod Podge and "wall papered" them to the backing. I originally planned on covering cardboard that was cut to size but couldn't get my hands on enough cardboard to cover both shelves so I just stuck them right on. It really didn't take long at all. I did one shelf in under hour. With a break in between I completed the project in 2 hours.

Sorry I don't have a tutorial for you, but it's pretty simple:

1. Once I cleared the shelves I took on of the removable shelf and used the length of that and measured each piece of wrapping paper. 

2. Then I applied a thin layer of mod podge directly to the backing of the shelf, starting with one corner then working my way out. I know that it's best to start in the middle but honesty, I started in the corner to save my sanity. LOL.

3. I ended up layering some sections because I didn't want to have to cut the paper and add more steps. Besides with the pattern and once everything was back up you can't even tell.

4. I put a thin layer of mod podge on the "seams" of the paper to make sure they stick.

and voila! There you go.

Gotta get my hands on a few more containers but I'll do that later. Oh and yes, I still need to get more pasta and sweet rice. Hahahaha.

Here are a few close ups...

You may recognize that calendar. I had to redo our command center (click here to see what it looked like before) because the needs of our family changed. Now the kids school files are stored in their school binders. I would still like to implement the school file once we have more space but for now, this will work.

As many of you know, one of the things I love to do is organize. I learned it from my mom. Who learned it from her mother-in-law, my Lola Fely. "Lola" is Tagalog for Grandmother. My Lola passed away last week. I miss her. I've always missed her. My Lola is one of the strongest women I know. I have many fond memories of her. I wish I could be there with my family to say my final farewell.

 Lola, thank you. Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for teaching my mom, who in turn taught me all your tips and tricks. Now it's my turn to teach my children. Although your gone, Lola, you will continue to live on through all of us. We love you. Aloha!

This post is dedicated to you, Lola Fely. I love you!

Felicidad Ancheta Paculba

March 7, 1925 - March 16, 2013