Creative Ideas for Jewelry Organization

1 Comment June 29, 2015 Maria

Working as a Stylist for Stella & Dot, I’ve learned that jewelry can elevate the simplest outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.  For example, pair jeans, a white t-shirt and summer espadrilles with a colorful statement necklace, some bangles and a pair of small hoops and suddenly your simple outfit just landed on the pages of Vogue.  Or, that LBD hanging in your closet?  Take it from a business meeting to cocktails with your girlfriends by adding a fabulous bracelet and a pair of chandelier earrings.  So many professional stylists know this and use it to their advantage.  Jewelry is just the easiest and quickest way to update your wardrobe.

I have been storing a majority of my jewelry in the top two drawers of my dresser and it was becoming a tangled, disorganized mess…

Not proud to show this, but this is what my necklace drawer looked like!

Earrings and bracelets were not much better…

It was clearly time to get to work on organizing this mess, but I wanted to do it a way that gave me the option to display a small portion of my collection, like the pieces that I’m currently wearing a lot (summer turquoise).  Here were my goals for this mini-project:

1) Go through my collection and decide what to keep and what to give away.

2) Obtain some hooks to display my frequently-used necklaces.

3) Create some options for displaying and storing jewelry on top of my dresser (the pieces I wear a lot).

4) Organize my overall collection and come up with a way to store necklaces in my drawer that won’t leave them all tangled.

The most time-consuming part of this organization project was going through my collection and deciding what to keep.  I used the Marie Kondo litmus test, and with each piece asked myself, “Does it bring me joy?”  If it didn’t, I put it in the “Give Away” pile.  That was very freeing.  It turns out I don’t like watches and I gave away nearly every one.  I also realized my style preferences have evolved and what I like has changed.  Accepting this allowed me to give away the pieces I no longer enjoy wearing.

When I was left with only the items I love and use, I set upon organizing them.  Here’s what I ended up with…

Necklaces in Drawer – organized using plastic trays with linen inserts from Nile Corp.

Much more pleasing to look at and easier to assess what’s there.

Earrings and bracelets…

I used the tray I previously owned, but worked to organize the collection and purged items that no longer brought me joy or use.

Finally, I mounted some hooks I found at TJ Maxx and created some display / organizing outlets on top of my dresser…

These hooks were inexpensive ($6.99) and exactly what I wanted for displaying / storing the necklaces I frequently use.

A ceramic egg tray makes for a perfect earring organizer!  Bracelets, statement necklace and drop-earrings hang on linen organizers from Nile Corp.

The top of my dresser is now a great place to accessorize!

Organized, functional and pleasing to the eye. Mission, “Jewelry Organization” – DONE!

Moral of the story: instead of hiding your collection in a box, organizing and displaying it in creative ways allows you to quickly assess what you have and coordinate your outfits in moments. You can easily do what I did with a little creativity and some hunting around at places like Home Goods and TJ Maxx.  For the linen trays, busts, and a slew of other options, check out online distributor Nile Corp.  They are inexpensive and have just about anything you could dream of for jewelry display and organization.  And, for more creative ideas, check out Bring Home Order on Pinterest.  I’ve created an entire board for all of you called, “Jewelry Organization.”  I’m not a DIY person, but I found several projects for those of you that are so inclined. I hope I’ve inspired you and given you some useful ideas!

Happy Organizing!  ~Maria

Friday Finds: The Life Coach School

Leave a comment June 26, 2015 Maria

Happy Friday, everyone!  It’s been a busy week at Bring Home Order and next week I am so excited to share several projects that we’ve been working on in May and June, so you’ll definitely want to tune in!  In the meantime, I want to share something with all of you that I recently discovered and has been having a great impact on me both personally and professionally – a podcast called, “The Life Coach School.”

I stumbled upon this podcast while listening to one of my other favorite podcasts, Being Boss:  A Podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs, hosted by Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon.  Emily and Kathleen had Brooke Castillo, host of The Life Coach School, on their show as a guest.  As soon as I was done listening to the show I searched for Brooke’s podcast.

The Life Coach School explores very important themes that affect the way we think about ourselves, our professional work and our decision-making.  For example, there are episodes about self-confidence, ambition, intuition and how to prioritize.  Brooke also shares important lessons from her years as a life coach working with thousands of individuals in both business and everyday life.  There are powerful and thought-shifting podcasts that will change the way you think about yourself, your career and your relationships.  These episodes are really that amazing and they are FREE.  Yep, people…free.

I bet your asking, “So, what’s all of this have to do with living a more organized life?”

I want to come back to my company tag line: “Organize. Design. Live Happy.”  The ultimate goal of living an organized, intentionally designed life is not physical order, but happiness and a sense of peace.  Being organized in your day-to-day life is a means to achieving this happiness.  I think many people who struggle with chronic disorganization have sometimes resigned themselves to believing that this is just the way they are destined to live.  But what Brooke Castillo would say is this, “Have you ever considered or imagined another option?  Have you ever outlined actionable steps to changing what most frustrates you about being disorganized, missing appointments and living with clutter?”  What I’ve gained listening to just a few of these podcasts is the idea that a shift in thinking can have huge results, and that in the end, it is our thoughts, more than anything else, that determines our abilities, our failures and our ultimate success in any realm (work, home, marriage, etc.).  The thrust of her podcasts are about being aware of your thoughts and the power they can have over you.

I hope you’ll take some time while driving around town, running errands or working out to tune in to one or two episodes.  I have found them very powerful and wanted to share this with all of you, in hopes that you too, will be inspired.

Happy listening and enjoy a great weekend!!

All my best,

~Maria

 

An Organized Car? Yes, it’s Possible.

Leave a comment June 24, 2015 Maria

I don’t know about you, but my car is like my second home some weeks.  Between kids’ activities, running errands and client meetings I can easily log 150 miles in the span of six days!  And, because I’m constantly going to Goodwill and carrying around kid gear, library books, and workout gear, my car looks like a tornado hit it.  My trunk area in particular, has things rolling around in it and is strewn with shopping bags that, despite my best efforts, will not stay put.  This week I finally had it.  Every time I turned, I heard things rolling around and clinking.  It was making me a little crazy so it was clearly time to take some action.

The first thing I did was empty the entire contents of my car into our garage and headed over to Bunky’s Car Wash on 15-501.  They gave the interior and exterior a great vacuum and bath.  Well worth the $21 for me, but of course you could save the money and do it yourself.  I just can’t take this heat.

Next, I had to take a hard assessment of the contents of my car and determine what I really want to keep in it.  I decided on the following:

• Reusable shopping bags
• umbrellas
• sunscreen
• hat
• workout bag
• yoga mat
• tissue, wipes and books for kids in the back seat (They’re always asking, “Mom do you have any tissue/wipes??”)

A quick trip to TJ Maxx proved successful and I purchased the following car organizer for my trunk area:

This was all of $6.99 at TJ Maxx. It has velcro on the bottom so it adheres to the trunk area and won’t slide around every time I make a turn.

This is a great car organizer.  It fits so much, too.  I was able to load all of my reusable shopping bags, my spin shoes, sun hat, sweatshirt, and a grocery bag full of items into it.  The side compartments are perfect for umbrellas, sunscreen, and the like.  Here’s what my trunk looked like after the overhaul and cleaning (I’ll spare you the before!)…

 

And in the back seat area, I simply purchased a medium-sized basket that can hold a box of tissue, package of wipes and some books and magazines so they don’t get scattered all over the floor (which is where they usually end up).

I feel so happy to be in my car now.  I somehow feel more productive not being surrounded by crumbs, strewn books and empty water bottles.

Here’s a quick overview of how I attacked the problem of car disorder:

1) Empty ALL the contents out of the car.  Yes, that means everything.

2) Give the inside a good vacuuming and wipe-down.  Use water and a little dish soap for your hard surfaces or just a little multi-purpose cleaner.  Alternatively, head over to a local carwash.

3) Determine what you need to carry around in your car and obtain proper storage options for these items so they can be contained, instead of rolling around your car.  Try places like TJ Maxx, Home Goods and the Container Store for a variety of baskets and accessories.

4)  Engage your kids in keeping it clean by having them empty it out every night.  (**This will take some effort on both your and their part, especially if they’re not used to doing this when they arrive home.)  They can do this but will need reminding.

Happy Organizing!  ~Maria

Lessons Learned: The Simplified Closet

Leave a comment June 22, 2015 Maria

About two weeks ago, I revealed my master closet redesign.  I’ve had many, many of you talk to me and ask about the process, how long it took, selections of paint, wallpaper, etc.  To refresh your memory, let’s take a look at the before photos…

Before: Too much stuff, storing non-wardrobe items, not pretty to look at.

After having invested time and some money into redesigning a space that is now both welcoming and efficient, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.  The simple answer is that it seemed too daunting and time consuming.  And, this is exactly what all of you have been saying to me… “I just have too much stuff and I don’t know where or how to begin.”  The truth is, who wants to spend what little time they have cleaning out their wardrobe and being in a closet?  I totally understand.

What I’ve learned and want to share with you is this: the invested time upfront will save you future time and money.  Why?  Here goes…

1.  Once you go through your wardrobe and assess every article of clothing and pair of shoes you own, you will discover you are holding on to a lot of things you no longer love or need.  Get rid of these things.  Tell yourself, “I’m only keeping what I absolutely love and need.  That’s it.”

2.  Upon shedding a good percentage of your wardrobe, you’ll be left with things you love and enjoy looking at/using.  That’s powerful.

3.  You end up knowing what you have and what you need to complete your wardrobe.  This saves you time and money!  For example, this past week I went to the J Crew outlet because they were having a huge sale.  I loved many of the items but didn’t buy one thing.  Why?  Because I know what I already have, and what I saw was basically duplicates of what I already own.  A deal isn’t a deal if you’re spending money on something you already have.

4.  When you’re left with only what you love, you know exactly where everything is.  You don’t spend precious morning time looking for that particular shirt, bra or belt.  Getting ready suddenly becomes so much more efficient and pleasant.

5.  Stop building a wardrobe with wishful thinking.  This is a biggie.  I often bought items that were one size too small because I thought, “I’ll loose those extra 5 pounds and this will fit.”  Only buy what fits you in the present.

6.  Don’t hold on to clothes just because you feel guilty about how much you spent on them.  Your clothes should work for you.  They shouldn’t be a reminder of mistakes you made or a size you used to be.  Happiness, not guilt, is what should drive your decisions about what to keep in your closet.

In an ideal situation we’d all be able to do this in one afternoon, but the truth is that it takes more time than that for most of us.  I’ve personally been chipping away at my wardrobe for about 3 seasons.  The best way to start, is just to start.  Begin with your shoes — which ones fit you, are comfortable and give you use/happiness?  Which ones need repair?  What doesn’t work for you anymore? Then, move on to another category, like shirts.  Pretty soon, you will have gone through all of your wardrobe and will hopefully only be left with clothes you love.  I promise it’s worth it.

Happy organizing!  ~Maria

 

 

 

Friday Finds: Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

2 Comments June 19, 2015 Maria

Happy Friday, Everyone!  I hope you’ve all had a great week despite the crazy heat.  I was off on Wednesday taking my own advise and spending some quality time at the beach with my family.  We had a wonderful time exploring the Outer Banks and playing by the pool.  I would highly recommend a visit there, particularly Duck and Corolla.

I’m glad we got home before the weekend because Father’s Day is this Sunday and I need to get planning!  So, if you are like me and scrambling a bit, I thought I’d share some ideas – both material and otherwise that might make the special guy in your life feel extra loved.

Here are some gifts that I think just about any dad would enjoy.  I’m trying to think “outside the tie” box and come up with some creative and thoughtful gifts you can get on the fly.

1.  A Walking Food Tour — Food tours have become hugely popular and exist all over the place.  Here in the Triangle, Taste Carolina is an excellent company offering tours to fit just about any taste preference.  They have tours in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Wilmington!  Your guy can pick from a range of tours.  So whether he’s into barbeque, craft beer, cocktails or tacos, there is something for him.  What a great way to spend an afternoon or evening!  They offer gift certificates.  Check them out:  http://www.tastecarolina.net

 

2.  Mini-Fridge for the Office – Don’t laugh!  A few years ago I surprised my husband (who happens to enjoy a cold Diet Coke when he’s working) by going to his office when he wasn’t there and delivering a mini-fridge.  I loaded it with all of his favorite drinks and taped a card to the front door.  When he discovered it the next day, he was incredibly touched.  It was a very inexpensive gift (less than $100) but made him so happy.  Extra Credit: have your kids create art to decorate the door.

A well-stocked mini-fridge for the office. You’ll get LOTS of kudos for this gift.

3.  What I Love About Dad Gift Book – This past Mother’s Day, my kids gave me this gift book and I LOVE, LOVE, love it.  The book has 50 sentence starters that your kids complete.  My personal favorite was, “I am humbled by….’your grilled cheese.'”  It was heartwarming to read about their perspective on my mothering. Here’s the Dad version.  You can pick this little guy up at Barnes & Noble for $9.95.  Worth it’s weight in gold, I say.

4.  Give the Gift of Adventure:  Lately we’ve been really getting out of our comfort zones as a family by trying things like kayaking on the ocean,  hiking in Yosemite and family camping.  Exploration and adventure is a wonderful gift.  So, consider something like this: surfing lessons, rock climbing or stand up paddle (SUP) instruction.  What about an evening of paddling under the stars?  Locally, Frog Hollow Outdoors offers a large selection of exactly such adventures.  They even do adventure camps for adults!  I’m definitely going to be checking this out for my husband (who has been instructed to not read today’s blog!).

Stand Up Paddle Instruction is offered by Frog Hollow.

I hope you enjoy showering your fathers with love this weekend.  Here’s the guy we’ll be celebrating…

Best. Dad. Ever. Love you, Neil!

Have a great weekend!  ~Maria

Summer Vacation Prep & Packing List

1 Comment June 10, 2015 Maria

This weekend we are heading to the beach for a week and I’m excited to have some time away with my family.  I’m sure many of you will also be heading to the beach this summer at some point, so I found a great packing list that you can easily print out and use.  There are also apps you can use for packing, but I still prefer a physical piece of paper to check off.  In addition to being organized in your packing, here are a few other items to remember before you head out of town:

Vacation Preparation List:

1) Do you need a house sitter? Pet sitter?

2) Mail and Newspaper: Either have it held at the Post Office or have a neighbor pick it up each day.

3)  Food: Throw out any food that is perishable, including fruit in bowls on your counters.

4)  Pay any bills that need to be processed prior to departure.

5)  Garden, Flowers and House Plants: Who will be caring for them?  Can you give house plants to a neighbor?

6)  House Lights: Remember to leave a few lights on to make it look like someone is home.

7)  House Alarm: Can it be set remotely or do you need to set it before you depart?

8)  Unplug computers and printers in case there is a storm that might cause a power surge and damage them.

9)  Adjust the thermostat to an appropriate temperature.

10) Make sure all water hoses are turned off outside (you still get charged if your water is on!).

11) Take out any garbage in the house so that you don’t come home to bad smells.

12) Draw blinds for privacy and temperature control.

Am I missing anything?

Here’s that great beach packing list from Smarter Travel:  A Great Packing List for the Beach.

Have fun wherever your travels take you!  ~Maria

Closet Inspiration, Makeover & Reveal

2 Comments June 8, 2015 Maria

This month’s cover article of Real Simple is all about redesigning, and more importantly, rethinking the organization of your wardrobe closet.  This was a nice coincidence since I’ve been overhauling my own closet this month! While there are many areas of my house that I leave “organized enough” (like our attic or my kids’ rooms), my closet is the space where I leave no stone unturned (or should I say, “no shirt unfolded”?) when it comes to order.  I am a self-admitted clothes horse and take care of the articles I invest in.  More significantly, this is where I start and end my day so I want it to be a place that is calming and beautiful.  I don’t want to start my day stressing out because I can’t find something I need to wear.  I’m sure you don’t either, so here are some thoughts about bringing both beauty and order to your closet.

Organizing a clothing closet is a two-step process.  First, there is the issue of the contents of your closet, i.e. your wardrobe.  Then, there is the physical organization of this wardrobe.  Let’s consider both…

Step One: Take a hard look at your wardrobe and ask yourself, “Does every article of clothing I own bring me joy and use?”  Chances are that a closet overhaul would inspire you to pair down what you own and donate/discard some items.  The authors of Real Simple addressed, “wishful wardrobing,” which is owning a wardrobe that you wish you could wear, whether it’s different sizes or unique articles of clothing.  This is a not a great way to build a wardrobe.  I like Marie Kondo’s advise, which is, “Honor the person you are today.”  Own only what makes you look and feel good right now.

Step Two: Once you’ve gone through your wardrobe and decided what to keep, it’s time to consider how you will store and organize your clothing.  Here are some general guidelines:

a) Categorize your wardrobe into like-groupings.  For example, you might store all of your evening-wear in one area and your weekend, casual wear in another section of your closet.  This makes getting dressed a lot easier.  It’s also nice to store items so that shirts are on a higher section than pants and skirts, because this is the order you get dressed.

b) Store shoes & accessories in designated areas.  While the floor is a usual go-to spot for shoes, consider an off-the-floor shoe rack or an over-the-door option.  Designate hooks for purses, jewelry and scarves that are visible so that they can easily be paired with outfits.  (You shouldn’t have to dig.)

c) What you see is what you use….store with visibility in mind.  When considering how and where to store items, you should be able to see your belongings.  If items get tucked away into nooks or drawers, your chances of using them diminish significantly.  You’ll probably just forget you even have them.  Use drawers for items you don’t need to see like socks, workout clothing, lingerie and bathing suits.  Hang just about everything else so you can see what you have.

d)  Store off-season items in another location, if possible.  I know this isn’t always possible for everyone, especially those of you in apartments.  I use my guest room closet to store my off-season items.  If you lack another closet, consider storing some items in a thin, under-the-bed plastic bin.  This will create more space and eliminate some clutter.

e) Think outside the parameters of how your closet is currently configured.  Add a rod or take one away.  You can also put a dresser in your closet or other drawers for storage.  Don’t forget about a full-length mirror and some hooks for things like bags, belts and hats.

My Master Closet Redesign

Here’s my closet after it’s recent overhaul.  Prior to this, it was fairly organized, but definitely needed a bit of refining (see end of post for photos).  I realized I was storing things like photos and other items that didn’t belong in my closet.  Sound familiar?

After going through the contents and really considering what to keep (I donated at least 2 garbage bags of items!), we gave it fresh coat of paint, added wallpaper and a new, glamorous light fixture.  (The old, flickering halogen light was NOT working for me.)  The finished result makes me soooooo happy!  My daughter said it’s like walking into a boutique.

Cole and Son wallpaper totally transformed the space. It’s hardly recognizable from the original photo.

This prism light fixture picks up on the prisms of the wallpaper and adds a touch of glamour to this closet.

I removed a rod to create space for these Elfa drawers to store things like workout gear, socks, shorts, etc.

We mounted a simple, white framed, full-length mirror to the wall. Originally this was mounted on the back of the closet door making it awkward to get ready.

Before…

Before: Too much stuff, and not very inviting.

Your closet should be a happy place.  I hope this has inspired you to consider the possibilities your wardrobe and closet hold.  And, if you are inspired, but need help…you know how to contact me!  (maria@bringhomeorder.com)

Happy Organizing! ~Maria

Friday Finds: Summer Linens

Leave a comment June 5, 2015 Maria

Happy Friday, all! One of my favorite things about summer is being able to wear relaxed linens.  Living in the South, it gets very sticky and humid, especially in July and August.  Linen is a great fabric option to tame the sweat and feel more comfortable in this type of weather.  I also love how relaxed linen is – it gets wrinkled easily, but looks fine nonetheless.  If I had to pick one linen article of clothing no one should be without it would be a white, button-down shirt.  Pair this with just about anything and you’ve got a classic look.

In the past week, I’ve personally picked up two new linen items and LOVE them: a white linen skirt and a colorful linen tunic dress with bright blues (see below).  Check out these finds….

Clockwise from top left: Tonal Strip Popover, Soft-Wash Linen Cotton Shirt, Linen Boatneck Tee,  Linen Strip Camp Popover

Linen Bottoms: Pants, shorts, skirt

Summer Linen Dresses: Shell Fleur Tunic Dress, Fit and Flare

As for caring for your linens: read the labels of each article of clothing.  Some are “Dry Clean Only” and others are fine in cold water and line drying.  Almost no linens should be put in a hot dryer as the fibers are too delicate.  When in doubt about what to do, opt for dry cleaning.

Have a great weekend!  ~Maria

10 Habits of People with Organized Homes

Leave a comment June 3, 2015 Maria

Sometimes, someone perfectly captures what you’d like to express.  That’s how I felt when I read the following article from fellow blogger, Melissa Michaels, of the wonderful blog, The Inspired Room.  (Check out her blog – it’s amazing!!)  Melissa’s post, “The 10 Habits of People with Organized Homes,” identifies some important habits that all of us could easily incorporate into our daily lives.  As soon as I read it, I was inspired to clear off my desk, update my calendar and a slew of other things I’d been putting off.  Of the 10 habits she identifies, the first most resonates with me and my mission as a Professional Organizer and Blogger.  She writes, “Organized people recognize that being organized is a key to their success and happiness. Rather than viewing organization as a chore that keeps them too busy to enjoy life, they understand that organization contributes positively to their well-being.”  Yes!  I couldn’t have said it better.  With that, here’s her wonderful article.  I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me!

Happy Organizing! ~Maria

* * * * * * * *

10 Habits of People With Organized Houses

by Melissa Michaels of the blog, The Inspired Room

Do you ever wonder how organized people keep their homes in order? I always love reading about the daily routines and habits of others and shared several of my own in Love The Home You Have. Lately I’ve been doing some thinking about what habits are helpful or necessary, particularly in home organization.

Here’s what I came up with! What are some other organizational habits you think are important? Which ones do you struggle with the most?

1) Organized people understand why organization is important

They recognize that being organized is a key to their success and happiness. Rather than viewing organization as a chore that keeps them too busy to enjoy life, they understand that organization contributes positively to their well-being. They feel less stress because they can find what they want, clean up is a breeze, they are more prepared for their day to achieve and accomplish their goals. They know that organization helps them to be set up to be financially successful. Organization and order in their life allows them to be more spontaneous and giving when they see a need.

2) They’re selective with what they buy and keep

This is a big one! They are not emotionally attached or hindered by stuff. When considering a purchase, they think about more than just the cost or the benefit of ownership. They also consider how that purchase could effect negatively impact their space or life. They assess what the new item will cost them in time, upkeep, or additional clutter. They often have a system where they give away one thing for every new thing they bring in to their home so they can maintain the balance and order of their home.

3) They say “I’ll do that now” not “I’ll do that later”

Organized people are determined to avoid the pile up of clutter. They take care of messes and disorder before they grow into big projects. They put their clothes directly into the hamper. Not on the bed, not on the floor, not in the bathroom…straight to the hamper! They have a place for everything and make it a habit to put things away right away. If it will only take a few minutes to do, they complete the task right away rather than saving it for later.

4) They are intentional about their mornings

They set the tone for each day by being productive right away. Simple daily tasks such as making the bed and tidying up the bathroom (before they begin their daily work) helps them to set the tone for the day and inspires them to continue to be orderly, systematic and efficient.

5) They know how to prioritize

They might have a long to-do list, but they are always careful to prioritize. They create daily task lists to keep themselves focused on their goals for each day in priority order, and they focus on completing each task one by one until it’s done. They use a large notepad or a daily calendar so they don’t waste time searching for paper scraps or writing little notes in multiple locations.

They are careful not to say ‘yes’ to everything that comes their way and they feel free to say no when something will negatively impact their schedule or order of their home. They are also able to easily prioritize more time for the people and fun in their life due to the efficiency with how they complete household tasks and daily work assignments.

6) They have manageable organizing systems they can realistically maintain

Organized people do not necessarily have every shelf labeled, every closet color-coded, or every drawer ready to be photographed for a magazine. Organized people know how to utilize systems that work well for them. The minute a system becomes too complicated to maintain, they find a solution that makes it more effortless and foolproof. They understand that complicated systems are just that, too complicated to maintain or remember. They have a place for everything so they can find what they need in five minutes or less.

7) They delegate

Organized people are delegators.  They are effective at creating opportunities for others. They make it a priority to divide responsibility and are organized enough themselves to keep people on task and hold others accountable.

8) They cut the excuses and implement solutions

Rather than offering excuses for why they are disorganized, organized people find solutions.

9) They keep surfaces clear

Organized people have an aversion to cluttered surfaces. They pick things up off the floor every day and clear counters regularly. They aren’t necessarily minimalists, they simply resolve to maintain order so when clutter appears, it is recognized as something that doesn’t belong and can instantly be taken care of.

10) They have systems for papers

They have a shredder and a recycling bin. They set up a location in their home and in their place of business for important papers such as bills, filing, and items such as invitations or contracts or warranties they will need in the future. They don’t set papers all over the house or in piles on their desk and floor. When they bring the mail in, they immediately shred or recycle what they don’t need. They set up a simple filing system or location for bills to pay and a place to put bills (or immediately shred them) when the bill is paid.

What habits could you incorporate to better the organization and efficiency of your home?

Making Time for Photos

1 Comment June 1, 2015 Maria

This week is the final week of school for my children and again, I’m floored by how quickly this school year has gone by.  This year marks the end of my oldest daughter’s time in elementary school, and I’m grappling with the reality that I have a middle-schooler!  She is nearly as tall as I am, wears my shoe size and is entering adolescence at a pace I’m struggling to keep up with.  The physical changes both my children have undergone this year alone are amazing.  My oldest has grown nearly 5 inches and my youngest has lost 8 teeth and grown over 3 inches.  I seriously do double takes sometimes when they come downstairs for breakfast!

As I watch my children grow and change before me, I am so thankful for having made time over the years to have photos taken of them at various points – about every 3 years on average.  It takes effort, schedule coordination and, of course, money.  But every night when I walk up our stairs to put them to bed, I pause and stare at these images…

Of course you don’t have to have professional photos taken, as simple point and shoot cameras can take great photos.  But, what is required is, 1) the effort to pause and take photos, 2) time to upload these images to our computers, and most significantly, 3) the time and effort to develop and/or print these photos so that we can display them.  I am completely guilty of having pileups of photos on my camera and phone, so don’t think I’m pointing any fingers.  But, I am using this as an opportunity to inspire you to do some creative things with your photos and have a display or gallery you can admire.  So, here goes…

1) Make the commitment to take photos of your family by either doing it yourself or hiring a professional.  The best way to find a local photographer is to ask your friends.  I did this using a quick Facebook post and got over a dozen recommendations!  I’ve personally used Tamara Lackey Photography in Chapel Hill, and love the work their studio puts out.  Ask around and check out the portfolios of any recommendations you receive.

2)  Upload and develop those pics!  There are so many cool ways to “develop” photos these days besides traditional prints.  I’ve printed photos on canvases and also created collages using features on Shutterfly, Snapfish and Mpix.  Did you know you can “print” photos on metal, glass, acrylic and wood?  You can also have 3-dimential photo collages created.  Check these option out from Shutterfly:

There are SEVEN different metal finishes offered. This is but one example of the cool things you can do with your photos.

What about a photo collage poster?

This is a fun option to hang in your kitchen or office.

I personally LOVE canvas prints.  I think they are so fun and modern.  I’ve done about three or four for our home and as gifts.  Costco offers canvases at great prices, which is where I’ve ordered mine in the past.

Mostly, however, I matte and frame our photos.  I’ve used Michael’s framing department with great success.  They don’t have an enormous selection of frames, but they have enough.  Their prices are the best I’ve found, and when I use one of their framing coupons, the price is more than halved.

Finally, I also recommend making digital photo albums using the very easy and user-friendly programs on Shutterfly and Snapfish.  They practically arrange and organize your photos for you once uploaded, and then you have the option to tweak them in size, move them around, and add captions.  I try to do books for special trips and events, like milestone birthdays, etc.

3) Display those photos or make a gallery wall of several images.  Here’s a nice blog post from Tinysidekick.com on how to create and install a gallery wall.

How to hang a gallery wall by blogger: tinysidekick.com.

Does all of this take time?  Yes.  Do you have to make an effort to add it to your “to-do list”?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  YES, YES, and YES.

We can’t stop time, but we can capture the small moments of life on print and forever be reminded of these times.

Click away, friends!  xo Maria