I'm going to the same part of Europe in June and have packed/unpacked my suitcase about 4 times already! :D The one good thing about fashions these days is that many fabrics are very thin so don't take a lot of space. I always find it difficult to pack light so have only bought things that don't take much space. I'm bringing 3 dressy outfits for symphony/dinner evenings as well as 3 outfits that can be dressed up or down. Daytime outfits will be pants (4-5 pair) and tops (one for each day). My pants, skirts, and jackets are neutral but the tops are every color of the rainbow. I couldn't wear all neutral for 2 weeks. Also bringing a sunhat but no umbrella altho that's often recommended. I'll either get wet or buy one there if necessary. Haven't definitely decided on shoes yet but will probably choose from what I have and bring 2-3 pair. I'm saving on weight by bringing only bare necessities in toiletries/make-up. I can shop there for anything I need. It will be fun to see what products are available. We're flying Lufthansa and Bac717 is correct about the smaller luggage sizes and weights. I'm not bringing my carry-on to my set but just a tote bag. It's my one concession to traveling light. My medium suitcase is within their guidelines but expands for any treasures I buy there. I weighed it when I had packed what I thought was enough for the trip and it only weighed 30 pounds and 50 is allowed. Good thing I'm not going in winter! Let's hope the weather is good in June and July!

johnatemp, you're right, I don't want to move the tv. That alcove next to the fireplace is really too small for the tv. Besides, there are cables coming from all over the house that get wired to the stereo that is with the tv. I had thought many times that I would like to make the area where the eating area is move of a lounge area. There are really too many doors in that area to make it a very cozy area. I have another area next to the kitchen that I'm doing that instead (and bigger). I have thought about removing the leaf in the table to make it smaller to fit the space better. Most of the time there is only 4 of us eating. Chris, the rug is situated the same way it was in the old location. I have it setting back a bit so that the lamp cord can hide under it and remove the trip hazard. I like the idea of the sofa table under the window. That statue is over 50 lbs, so I need help with that one (and we were in a hurry to go furniture shopping). I got some pretty good ideas while I was out. I'm thinking instead of a sectional, maybe an oversized chair with a couch or love seat? Either way, I'll only have seating for about 4 people (the corner in a sectional is pretty lost). I did find a curved sectional I liked, but it still only seated 4. I'm going to work on the end where the chair and ottoman are along with the table and chairs to see if I can come up with some more room. I'll take some more pictures and post when I'm done to see what you think. Also, any light recommendations for the table where the recliners are? I'd like to have something that doesn't sit on the table, but still worked as task lighting. The guys do play chess there frequently, so I need something that doesn't sit on the table, but will still give hoof task light. You're also right, Chris. I'm trying to get away from the log or cabin feel, and more or a transitional feel and try to accessorize with our horse "stuff". Robbi

I definitely agree that you should make the kitchen desk thing into a dedicated kitchen area. While it might seem counterintuitive to your home schooling/work, it would make a big difference in keeping your clutter down. I found that if I had an open space, DH filled it. So once I filled it with something else, it forced him to move to where I wanted stuff. This is what I'd do to get you organized. Empty EVERYTHING. I mean everything. Clear off every surface, drawer, shelf. Now, do you have any power outlets where the bookcases are currently located? I'd move one of the drawered bookcases over to the spot you mentioned. You'll dedicate this to your 'office'. Get a good powerstrip and you'll probably need to drill a hole in the back of the bookcase to run the cord thru. You can also get cord covers or use cable staples to attach the cord down to the baseboards. Attach the power cord to the inside of the bookcase lower shelf area. Now you can plug in all your little electronic gadgets and keep in one place. Rearrange the other 3 bookcases in a cohesive manner. If you've got power cords there, get a small light, even under counter lights, for illumination on the bookcases. That really makes a big difference. Lay your large books horizontally, and stack them. If you can categorize them, great, otherwise try to stick to sizes. On the bookcase you put near the kitchen, get some larger baskets (or use the ones you have on top) to use for storage of pens, mail, paper, etc. When DH brings in the mail, he can pop it in the basket. It also helps to have a wastebasket or shredder near here, that way mail can be dealt with immediately. This is the file holder thing folks spoke of... It sits inside your file drawer. If you don't use the files often, have you considered boxing them up and storing them elsewhere? I found that to be a wonderful idea for me. Cardboard bankers boxes, labled to content, stored my files I seldom used. I store them in the hall closet. Baskets, plastic boxes, all can be your organizing friend. You can use the file holder system for your homeschooling stuff. If your daughter likes to play school or office, this is a good opportunity for her to play and help you at the same time! She can file the papers and organize the books.

surero: the closet is currently used for storage. I think some of it could be cleared out (we recently took over management after buying out our former partners so we've only had three or four weeks in the office ourselves - long story). I'd like to use some freed up space in the closet for binders that are currently stored in the hutch piece over the computer desk. Office supplies are stored in a "linen" closet just outside of our office. No wireless right now. That may be something we can do down the road. Annie and voila: Thank you for the links. This will give me some options to show my sister. I'm trying to narrow down choices to show her.