Tag Archives: organization

Take Breath and Hurry Up…

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I am torn. My mind is at battle between taking a breath and anxiety over how I am ever going to get everything done that I need to do today, tomorrow and by Christmas. So what do I do? Blog, of course!

Blogging is a good thing… it’s forces me to stop and think. Saying hello this morning is one of the things on my today to-do list. Speaking of lists, are you a list keeper? If not, you should try it. Why? I find they significantly help to reduce my stress, increase productivity and keep me on target.  Here are my current lists in no particular order…

  1. Today To-Do List (office and home)
  2. Home Projects (ongoing organization and crafting)
  3. Home Decorating (long term)
  4. Office Future (new products, marketing, projects, etc)
  5. Daughter and Future son-in-law Wedding
  6. Engagement Party for Son and Future Daughter
  7. Son and Future Daughter Wedding
  8. Christmas Shopping
  9. Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
  10. Blog Topics
  11. Grocery

I’m sure there are more, but that’s a start. I find that until I create or update my lists, my mind just spins. So off I am… to update my lists and have a productive day! Go make yours – today will feel so much better! xo Amy

PS. I prefer to keep most of my lists in a small notebook because I love to see and touch it to cross items off, but I do have a list keeper on my iphone that I absolutely adore. It’s called Paperless. I paid $2.99 for the full version and it was worth every single penny, I use it for my grocery shopping and today to-do-list. I think the reason that I love it is it’s always with me. Since my phone is attached at my hip so I never leave my list at home – that can be a problem with lists! The latest iphone update added a free check list, but still like this better. There’s a free limited version at the app store called Paperless Lite if you want to try it!

Quick Weekend Project – Organize your Refrigerator

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You’ll be seeing lots more organizing projects here in the future when GiGi starts blogging with me over the next few weeks. Why, you might ask? Well, lets just say GiGi is compulsively obsessed addicted … well, let’s just say she loves to organize things. Well not really things, really everything. She loves to organize closets, refrigerators, garages, cars; basically nothing is off-limits.. And it’s not just her things. Chances are if you invite her over for a visit, she will be organizing and re-arranging your home within the hour. She just can’t help herself.

Just ask her friend Jean. She’ll tell you when she comes to visit, Gigi literally doesn’t stop till the sun comes up. Jean wakes up to find closets, drawers and more re-arranged with a place for everything and everything in its place. She’ll think she has discovered everything Margie organized until she opens up her purse and finds everything color coded and organized down to the pennies. True story.

GiGi invaded our friend Dr. Nune’s home a few months ago and organized it from top to bottom. There wasn’t an area left undone.  Dr. Nune will tell you her newly organized home has changed her life, she is so happy with all of it!  GiGi and I stopped by tonight for some Dosa’s (a traditional Indian lentil/vegetable protein crepe), scrambled eggs, salsa and homemade yogurt. For a special treat after dinner, we had Indian coffee. I’m going to show you how to make it soon, promise! It is so darn good…it’s a bit of work, but sooooo worth it! The drill sergeant GiGi of course had check out if Dr. Nune was maintaining the “systems” she had installed…

Yep, that’s GiGi’s finger…just a few things were out of place :)

I clicked a few photos so you could see her refrigerator. It’s a pretty quick project to do this weekend and it makes such a difference! Here’s some tips to get your refrigerator organized!

At the top of refrigerators, milk and juice boxes tend to block each other along with other items on the shelf. A small turntable and glass jars ensure that everything is accessible. You can find the glass Frigoverre jars at HomeGoods or The Container Store – the key is to transfer your liquids as soon as you get home from the market. Always store the containers on the turnaround whether they are full or empty. It is their “home”, so they always stay there. Gigi used a rubber band and round key tags to label the contents. Not only does it work well – it looks great too! The turntable has a 11″ diameter.

The turntable is also perfect for condiments. Here’s a larger one that GiGi uses in her fridge for condiments…

GiGi also likes to use glass containers to store food such as vegetables, soup, leftovers and more because they are the safest choice to store food. A second choice would be to use airtight plastic containers, but make sure they are a no.5 – you can check it on the bottom of the container. The best kind of containers have straight sides (as opposed to cantilevered) and are either square or rectangle in shape. Why? Because they fit well together and waste the least amount of space. The rule is to fill your fridge with the containers and LEAVE them there, whether full or empty. It’s really a great system, as you don’t have to waste space storing them in your cabinets.

Check out this drawer….

I love using the $1.00 office organizer to hold the cheese and dressing packet. Think outside the box and find things that will keep items together and in an easy accessible place. Look for items you can use that you already own or check out the dollar store. It doesn’t have to be expensive to live an organized life. Ziplock baggies work okay in a drawer, but if you need to store them on a shelf, a clear container works better.

If you have items such as bread, bagels, over-flow fresh vegetables or fruits, etc. put them in a bin rather than leaving to sit loose on a shelf. A bin is easy to pull out and access. Using a clear container is a bonus as it makes it easy to see to see the contents.  Hidden items tend to go to waste. Out of sight, out of mind as they say…

What do you think? I’d love to hear any other refrigerator ideas you have! I organized mine a while ago, but I think I’m going to switch to the glass milk jars, too. I’ll show you pictures when I’m done! xo Amy

Cord Clips, a Zit Zapper and Where Will You be Five Years from Now?

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I love things that work, don’t you? Here are a few things we’ve found lately that we really like!

APPLIANCE CLIPS

Appliance Cords on my counter drive me crazy and Gigi has been buying clips designed for appliances from our favorite organizational store, BUT at $6.00 a clip, we think it’s a bit pricey. We found these hair clips from Goody sold in packs of three for under $3.00 and we think they work pretty darn well, don’t you? They’re not as well made, but heck, for less than a $1.00 each even if they didn’t hold up as well it would be no big deal to replace if they broke! Gigi uses them for her blender, juicer, hair dryer cord, etc. I’m going to have to get some for my house!

The $6.00 clip

The $1.00 clip

ZIT ZAPPER

Apparently, it’s the week for confessions… here’s number two. Argh. I still break out occasionally. That is so not fair, don’t you think? I have read that if you have a pimple and it rears its ugly white head, you should pop it until it bleeds to get the infection out. The problem is if you use your dirty little fingers you can make it worse. Enter this nifty tool…

We found this at Home Goods… I love that store, but Wal-Mart has them as well! It keeps you from picking too much and is germ free! PS. We also discovered that they still make tinted Clearasil… anyone remember that? It was my BFF in High School!

FIVE

Where will you be five years from today? Let’s just admit it… life flies on by. How many things did you want to do today that you thought to yourself… I can do it tomorrow? Think about this…

Five years…260 weeks…1825 days…2,333,000 minutes

What will you do with it? What could you do with it?”

When I was in my early thirties I remember being overwhelmed with three babies less than two years apart in age and wishing they were older. Now that they’ve flown the coop, I would give anything to have that time go slower. I don’t know about you, but I have lots of things on my bucket list and time continues to fly by. This book ($8.09 on Amazon) is a quick read – fun, thought-provoking and inspirational. In fact,  it makes me want to get my rear end up off this chair and get moving. I’ve got lots of things to do before 2017 arrives! See ya! xo Amy

I Heart Labelling

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Quite addicting it is…

 

I haven’t updated you lately on Project Organize 2010, but I assure you it is alive and well. I actually have fallen in love during the process – this week I’m love with labelling! The thing about this whole house organizing project is it’s fun and instantly rewarding. You can’t beat that! I actually look forward to having a few hours to organize a new little area. That’s the beauty of it. Only have a half hour? No problem! Just do a quick drawer or two.

The key to successful organizing and maintaining it is having a place for everything and everything in its place. I probably owe my mother an apology. I would just roll my eyes when she would say “where are my scissors”. She instantly knew that they were missing because she had a “home” for them and if they weren’t there, chances are I took them! I “get” this now. So sorry mom :) xoxox

Anyway, labelling is a beautiful thing. It’s the finishing touch to a newly organized area. Plus it really does help you find things easier. Especially when you’ve re-located things. For example, remember the messy, messy closet next to my kitchen? Well yesterday, Ashley called me at the office and asked me where the food coloring was for the red, white and blue flag cupcakes that she was making. They were inspired by the way by Thrifty Decor Chic and 17 and baking . Ashley’s creative twist was that she layered red, white and blue cupcake batter, iced them white, put them in a cupcake carrier and decorated the top left cupcake with blueberries (to represent the flag’s blue block with stars) and the remaining cupcakes with a red strip of strawberry (representing red and white stripes). Yep, If I was a good blogger, I would have taken photo’s when I got home, but I had other things on my mind. We were in a rush to get to see Edward and Jacob – it was a movie night last night! But I digress…

Back to labelling. Ashley asked where the food coloring was and I said “in a plastic bin on the shelf of the closet next to the kitchen. It’s labelled Baking Decorations. And guess what? IT WAS THERE! Really, it was a pretty special moment for me… haha!

A thing of beauty if I may say so myself!

 

I’m using a Brother P-Touch for my labels, but you could also use clear file labels printed from your computer,  although I do think the labeller is definitely the way to go. It’s a bit less time-consuming and I’m all about saving time!

Just love this little guy!

 

And guess what? Remember my messy hall closet from a few months ago? Have it reverted back to being messy? Nope, nada, no way baby! It looks like this…

More beautiful than ever, haha!

 

The thing is that once you get going, you discover it’s about layering. Things evolve and change, but it’s all about getting started which is the hardest part. For instance look at the before and after shots of the closet when I first began and then the one above from today with labelled bins. You can see the progression. One of these days I’ll organize the box with candles as well, but not today. I have bigger things to tackle at the moment! xoxox Amy

The Two Week Re-Do

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What do you think I can get done around my house in two weeks, working only nights and weekends? I only have 3 weekend days and 9 week nights as I am going to Columbus next Saturday for a meeting/fish fry and will be driving to Columbus to up a house guest at the airport on the 24th. Yikes!

As you may know, I have declared that I will have my house organized top to bottom by the end of the year. I also have some serious decorating to do along the way as I have put my house on hold for way to long to start a business.  As I set these goals in January, I thought I had a year to get a lot of this done, but a very good friend of mine who I went to Butterfly World with a month or so ago, has decided to meet me in Columbus for the Spring game on the 24th and come visit that night.  To say I am in panic mode is an understatement, although I have to say I am very excited about her visit! It’s not that she won’t love me if it’s not done, it’s just that she’s never been to my house and I want it at least semi-done. This is going to make me get some serious stuff done or at the very least started. I figured I would just go ahead and share it with you along the way…the good, the bad and the ugly.

Some things need to get done so that I have room for other things, so if they seem like silly things, there is a reason behind it. Here’s some of my to do list:

  • Find a place to store my daughters stuff. She moved back in for a bit and has lot to put away. I need to find a place for it.
  • Work a bit on the garage and pantry so I have room for things above.
  • Figure out a color scheme and inspiration for the two bedrooms. Will not have time to paint, but need to have a plan. 
  • Select carpet for two bedrooms, stairs, a hallway and study and schedule a measure.
  • Tear up the old and seal the plywood floor. A beloved dog of ours died and had a bit of a potty problem in his last days. Quite sad and very yucky.
  • Get the carpet installed by the 22nd.
  • Schedule a painter for April – need to get carpet laid first. More on that later.
  • Clean out the two bedrooms and study.
  • Make sure the Bathroom is ready for a guest.
  • Clean…that will happen along the way.
  • Find a table to go with my new chairs for my new cocktail area.

I can tell you that without the paint, it won’t be finished in two weeks, but the new carpet will make a huge difference. Stay tuned, I’ll be posting updates, photo’s and thoughts for the next two weeks. It’s getting a little crazy around here, haha! xoxox Amy

Preventing a Car Break-In

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My daughter Ashley had a string of bad luck. A string of really not so nice things have happened to her in the last few months to no fault of her own. As a mom, I want to fix it. Mostly, all I can do is offer hugs and hope; to explaining that things will get better and in general… humanity is good. I do believe that.     

The last incident, a car break-in,  is probably preventable. She learned from a previous break-in not to leave the navigator in plain sight and removed it; storing it in the center console. In retrospect, leaving the holder on the window was not a good idea, but according to her insurance company, even hiding that most likely wouldn’t have prevented the theft. Apparently, just seeing see ring marks on the window will prompt a break-in. Ashley also had an empty (thank goodness) Coach purse hidden in the back seat which they wouldn’t have seen from outside, but once in, they grabbed it as well.     

 The best way to prevent your car from being broken into is by having nothing in the car to steal – right? If you are anything like me, that’s easier said than done. I’m usually carrying an oversized handbag, my Design Assistant with a computer inside and a coffee mug. Now you want me to grab my navigator and other items as well?     

     

The answer is yes, but here’s an easy solution that can not only prevent a break-in, but simplify your life as well. I did a post a while back about Putting your Baskets to Work.   There I talked about designating a basket to go from home-to the car-and back to home. I recommended that you  ”store it near the door you’ll use out to your car and fill it with items that need to be returned for credit, a water bottle, snacks, a shopping list, etc.”  Those suggestions will make your life a little simpler, but let’s take it a step further. You should also use it to store your navigator, CD’s and anything else that is not permanently attached to your car.     

Tip: Make sure your basket is lightweight and easily carried with one hand.     

Below is a friend’s collapsible car basket fully loaded and ready to go…items are kept in zippered bags for easy access. Simply leave it near the door for the next trip…no need to empty unless there’s something you don’t need to carry anymore.     

She keeps on the road paperwork & coupons inside, Do you see the Design Assistant file inside?

 

 This car basket even has a storage cup hooked inside to hold small tools and gadgets she often needs when on the road.    

Stores pens, tools and more

 

Last of all…don’t forget to clean your windshield of those telling little circles…Store wipes in a door pocket – it’s quick and easy to do!     

     

You’ll quickly wonder how you ever survived without a portable car basket and though it may add an extra step to getting in and out of the car, it prevents a whole lot of aggravation in the long run. xoxox 

Additional Safety Notes:     

  • When out shopping, keep a towel or blanket to cover your basket in a nondescript manner.  It’s better to cover it up than to publicly transfer the basket to your trunk while in a parking lot – that’s a definite heads up that something valuable is inside.
  • A good thing to keep in a car basket is a can of wasp/hornet spray. It has a 23′ stream and is better than pepper spray.
  • Never be a good Samaritan in a parking lot. If someone approaches you, get back in your car, tell them to stop and announce loudly that you are calling for help. Lock the doors and drive away.

Newly Organized Hall Closet

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Doesn't it look fabulous?

Below  is the mess that I met every time I went into the hall closet. It was so full of things we never used, that the doors were actually bulging out. Now that I’m in this organizing mode, I’m looking at the rest of my house wondering what I was thinking letting it get to this  point. My excuse would be that I was busy raising 3 very busy kids, starting a business and running a home, but the truth is if I had done this all along I would have less stress and more time. Here’s the before and after shots of the closet.   

Project: Organize the hall closet that we pass as we’re heading out the door.   

Before: pretty much a disaster

 

 Waaaaay to many coats and things that are never worn. Packed up 80% of the coats to give to someone who can use them.   

After: right side of the closet

 

I’m noticing a color trend… Not sure what I’m putting in the  94 cent plastic bins yet – I had the laminate shelves from years ago.     

After: left side of closet

This is my favorite area… I love that I can see everything and that everything has a place. I can’t wait till next weekend to start another project! xoxox

5 Rules to Creating an Organized Life

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These are my rules for getting organized in 2010. I’m pretty sure they will be edited along the line, but for now, this is what I’m going with…

1. ) If you don’t love it or need it….give it or throw it away. Period. Be choosy about the things you surround yourself with. The things you love are what make your house a home – if you have a problem letting go, ask yourself if it makes your home more beautiful or does it have sentimental value to you. If it’s yes to either…keep it. If it’s no…pitch it. Can’t decide in 5 seconds? Pitch. 

When determining if it’s something you “need”, ask yourself when the last time was that you used it. If it hasn’t been used in the last year…you don’t need it. Go through whatever you’re cleaning out and be faithful to these two rules. Go back a week later and see if there is anything else you can let go. I have one exception: I’m not letting go of my Calvin Kliens until I can fit into them again. I need them for inspiration :)

2. Create a place for everything and put it back in its place immediately after using it. My mother used to drive me nuts. In retrospect, I think I drove her more nuts. She knew the minute that something was missing from its place. Our house was never cluttered unless you visited my room. I now get it. It needs to become a way of life. Pick it up – put it back. Pretty simple, but  life changing when put into action.

3. Organize NOW, worry about pretty later. This is particularly difficult for me. So incredibly difficult, in fact, I’ve come to realize I’ve used it as a crutch. In my anal little mind, I want everything organized AND looking beautiful. In fact, it drives me out of my mind so much to see that I have old vinyl floors in my pantry and laundry room, that in the past, I didn’t organize or keep up with them because I knew they would still look ugly. In fact, I applied that concept to most of my home which definitely needs a makeover. The good news is to stay tuned because there will be lots of before and after pictures of my home along the way. Here’s two examples of before and after of areas in my house. The Guest Bath  The Pink Bath  There is so much left to do, but I’m thinking this will be so much fun to share with you!

I finally organized my laundry room last month  in spite of its ugliness and I swear to you it feels as good as losing 20 lbs. The areas still need a new floor and coat of paint, but that will be phase II. I did put up a little plaque, fabric bins and an inexpensive valance, but I can now live with it until phase II.  The point here is to quit making excuses and get rid of the crap. Here’s a news flash: The crap makes it uglier. Split organization and decorating into phases if you have to, just get started.

4. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. The truth is, it doesn’t have to cost ANYThing to get organized and if you have a budget of zero, you will actually save money by getting organized. It’s amazing to find what you can save and what you can find. The point here is the same as in rule 3 … just do it.  I will have a small budget; keeping an eye out for items that I already own and inexpensive bins and such to buy that will hold and store items. The goal is to find storage  items will serve a purpose and yes, look beautiful. I am a firm believer that beauty should strive to be functional and of course everyone should have beauty in their life.

5. Do something once a week. The key to creating an organized life is to do something consciously towards it every day and actively towards it every week until you have an organized life. Every day you’ll be putting things in their rightful place and every week, you should pick a new area of your life to tackle. It might be a drawer, a paper trail or the garage. The point here is taking on a project each week, however big or small, brings you one step closer to your goal.

Tomorrow I’ll show you a couple of my projects from last month…my purse and my trunk.  xoxoxo

Embracing Organization in 2010

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Addicted to plastic bins...

 I’ve never been excited about my New Year Resolutions in years past. They usually had something to do with exercise or losing weight  – which I’m still working on and more enthusiastically than in years past I should add, but this year I added something new. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to organize every single aspect of my life one weekend at a time until done. I’m talking about my purse, my home, my office, my car – you name it, it’s getting organized. The goal is to pick a project as small as a drawer or as big as a closet or garage and get it organized.  

Here’s the best part…I am LOVING it. I missed a weekend a week ago  due to an unexpected event and  I actually couldn’t wait until the next weekend came around to get back on track again! Who knew organization could be so fun and feel so good!  

I first got the bug when I cleaned out a closet in my bathroom last year. It turned out so nice and I am still amazed that it still looks the same today. In fact, I went back the other day and cleaned it out even more. For me it has been a  month of finding what works and what doesn’t and this whole organizing thing is definitely a work in progress. I must confess I’m currently addicted to fabric drawers, binders with plastic sheet covers inside and plastic bins of multiple shapes and sizes.  

Anyway, I was thinking…do you want to do this together? I’d love any of your tips and to see what you’re organizing! I’m putting together some of my thoughts to get you started and will then post every week my newest project. Come on and join me! I’m thinking it will be fun!