on the mend

i know this has happened to you before. you're trying on clothes, nothing is working--and then finally! the perfect outfit is created (only to find out you forgot about the hole on the front or the missing button that needs to be sewn on). and of course, you're already late (ughhhh)! my advice; 

• go to your closet right now
  
• pull out all the clothes that need mending, buttons sewn on, etc.
• maybe your favorite pair of black jeans needs a new dye job--pull those too!
• separate those items that need the expert eye of a tailor and place them by the door
• now, get to work! sew buttons, mend seams and feel accomplished
• the next time you leave the house, grab the clothes that need to visit the tailor and place them in the car. when you're out running errands, you'll have them on hand to drop off.
• repeat every season!

neighborhood tailors that i swear by;

Abaya Alterations

Therese (323) 913-9419

3235 W. Sunset. Blvd.

LA, CA 90026

Hollymont Cleaners

Maryanne (323) 664-8719

1759 Vermont Ave

LA, CA 90027

Not Having To Buy Containers... Priceless

After I use up a jar of jalapeños or a tub of butter, I immediately put the container in the sink (soaking them with soap and water) with the intention of using the containers in my house to organize items. Now I'm not suggesting you save every food container with the hope of reusing it later (I am a family of one and therefore don't consume as much as say, a family of four). If you are the family of four (or more) that I am writing about, then recycle, recycle, recycle. These 2 glass jars pictured above are just two ways I reuse food containers in my home (more to come in future posts). I like that they're glass so I can see exactly what's stored where (buttons in one and sewing needles in another).


When I buy a new shirt or jacket, they typically come with extra buttons. I like to save those buttons but want to make them easy to put away for future use if a button falls off. I keep my sewing and checks in the same spot (because of how often I use both--frequent enough to have them close by and easy to access). Plus, both categories fit nicely in this IKEA box (using the like with like organizing rule). You could also place a small jar for buttons in the top drawer of your dresser. Next time you need a button, it's as easy as opening up a drawer!