Get organized, go organic

It’s time for those New Years Resolution projects to begin! Did you make one? Some? Are you the type that doesn’t make any resolutions, or more like me – the type who makes a list so long it’s impossible to realistically accomplish it all?

In this New Year issue our Spaces advisory board members share their wisdom of experience with us – tips to manage your projects – before you begin. Their tips will get you started on page 8. Next turn to page 14 for our Get Organized feature on 4 custom closets designed for their individual users. Interior designer, Terri Pentz shares that most people use only 20 percent of what’s in their closets; and there’s no better time to donate your no longer needed items to a local charity.

Thanks to brave reader, Llew Ellis of Melbourne, who submitted the “Before” pictures of her New Years Resolution (home office project) to our yourspace page. Yes, Llew, yours is an office that needs some attention. Luckily, this issue is packed with tips to motivate you! Llew’s office can be seen on page 94. I hope you’ll send the “After” photos too!

I also received a note from reader, Lynda Favret, who was flying home from Vero Beach to New Orleans when a fellow passenger out of Vero Beach introduced her to Spaces magazine. Her home was damaged by hurricane Katrina. She has been reading Spaces magazine for a few years now and finds the information very helpful as she’s worked through the remodeling process. She’s even contacted me for copies of back issues! See her comments in their entirety on spacesonline.com – click on from our readers.

Our first green feature of the New Year is a primer on Organic Produce. Writer Betsy Franz, who is a master gardener herself, immersed herself in this topic to report back to you what organic means, and how it is both good for you and for the environment. Enjoy it beginning on page 36, and then taste it, shop for it and dine on organic food here locally. You’ll taste the difference!

So, back to the New Years Resolutions. I myself will try to stick to a shorter, more reasonable list this year. It will contain functional projects, but also intangibles like being a better steward for the environment and teaching my children to do so as well. Improving our homes, these spaces where we spend most of our time brings a great sense of accomplishment.

Happy New Year!

Janet McCluskey
Editor, Spaces magazine
jmccluskey@floridatoday.com
321.242.3707