Get the Kids OrganizedIn a recent interview with one of my Favorite Organizers, Lorie Marrero, Babble.com asked her to name a few common mistakes that parents make when it comes to dealing with their family’s clutter. Her answers were spot on and I wanted to share one in particular. After the holiday season, a common clutter conundrum is how to handle toy storage. Here is what Lorie has to say about letting the toys take over. - “First of all, when it comes to toys, people over-purchase. People have just an excess of toys. I remember growing up; we would only get toys on our birthday and Christmas. Now, many kids just expect that they’re going to have new toys whenever they want them. When we work with our clients we see this a lot. If there’s scarcity, people tend to appreciate things more. One of the ways to create some scarcity is to rotate the toys. You can take a bunch of the toys and put them on a high shelf somewhere in a box. Every few months, take those boxed toys down. Rotate them in and take some others out. Making the toy choices more limited not only helps the play area stay less cluttered, it also helps the kids feel better about their space. It makes them feel more appreciative of what they have and helps them to not feel so overwhelmed by all of the choices. We also find that the toys don’t usually stay in the designated area, so we recommend putting a basket in every room where the kids play a lot. For example, if you have a kitchen area where they like to hang out with mom, have a basket near the door in that room. That way, you can easily gather those toys up and toss them in that basket. Then at some later point, like once a week, take all of those baskets and put them back in the central toy area. Really, the benefit of organizing is that it smoothes the way for you to be able to go and do all of those things that you want to do with your life, instead of having your belongings slow you down.” ~Lorie Marrero, professional organizer, founder of The Clutter Diet and author of The Clutter Diet: The Skinny on Organizing Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life. Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
Respect Your SpaceGetting organized is not just a hobby, a choice or an idea. It’s a lifestyle. To help get organized in 2009, here is another favorite tip. This time from my favorite guest, Peter Walsh. Tip # 5: Treat your space with respect. Peter Walsh says that your home is a reflection of you and the space where you live should reflect the life you want to live. Getting organized and decluttering your home allows you to enjoy the space you have take control of your life. My Favorite Thing: Today, my favorite thing is a quote: “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.” Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
How Are You Doing with New Year’s Resolutions?It’s 2009 and a year of new beginnings in our personal lives, as well as in our country. It’s time to take stock and make changes that will make for a better and happier life. If you are happy with the success of your resolutions – great! If you need some reminders, here are some suggestions to get you back on track. Baby steps. Set reachable goals that make sense. If you need to lose 50 pounds, set smaller goals of 10 pounds at a time and really look at the way and what you are eating. List the pros and cons. This will help you to rate the importance of your goal and give you motivation when you need it. If you need to organize your family, list why and how the change will affect your family. Try the Pros and Cons pad from Knock Knock. Another resourceful tool to try is Cozi. It is a free web service that helps families manage crazy schedules, track shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores, stay in communication and share memories—all in one place. Strategy. How will you reach your goal? Make a plan with time and the cost attached to it. Share your plan! Let your friends and family know about your resolution. They will help to support you. Don’t punish yourself. If you had a bad day, don’t give up. Just do better the next day and get excited about your decision to stay strong. Just remember to work hard, play more, eat right, smile, organize your family and home, spend more time with your family, take more walks, get rid of all the clutter, make more time for yourself, call an old friend, volunteer, dance and sing like no one is watching and say â€thank you’ more often. Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
Oh What We’ve Done To Cupcakes!Cupcakes are so perfect, delicious and beautiful these days that they could almost walk down a runway. They fit any occasion and who doesn’t love a good cupcake? The flavors, decorations and presentation are more than amazing. Peanut butter and jelly, coconut, decadent brownies with mini iced hearts, and I certainly can’t leave out mini-cupcakes. Have you seen what can be done with these? These are the cutest, petite desserts you could ever serve. The best part – What could be easier than baking cupcakes in a pinch of time? For some really great cupcake ideas, take look at this month’s issue of Martha Stewart. It really doesn’t get much better than this! My Favorite Thing:Be sure you have the perfect tools at hand to make these perfect cupcakes. I did the research and stocked up. These are the newest must have’s in Mrs. O’s kitchen. Silicone cupcake pans, mini-cupcake pans (don’t forget the liners) and Silly Feet Baking Cups for a little fun. For the best presentation, cupcake stands and dessert stands easily do the trick. My personal favorite way to serve cupcakes â€in style’ is on these round or square pedestal cake stands. If you need a “ moveable solution”, cup-a-cake carriers are perfect for individual cupcakes, while large carriers will do the make your way to those events that need a dozen, or two or three. Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O.
Keep It RealTo learn how to become and stay organized, here is Tip #4: Keep realistic goals. Don’t set too many and don’t make them so difficult that they become unreachable. Start with small and easy tasks and work your way up. Kicking off your New Year’s resolution by attempting big or overwhelming tasks will only make your workload seem impossible. My Favorite Thing: The “Big Game” is gonna be here in a few weeks and with all the buzz about the Steelers vs. the Cardinals, there are sure to be some great parties. This year, Mr. O and I will be showing our football spirit with the Touchdown Chip and Condiment Serving Set. I can use it to not only score big points with our Super Bowl guests, but can use it year round for festive gatherings and get-togethers.
Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O
The Inaugaration…The Inaugaration of President Barack Obama, our new First Lady and coverage of the day’s events leaves me with nothing but a feeling of pride. What an amazing day in our country. While it was truly a historical day in America, it was also a day that we are all so fortunate to experience. I remember the feeling I had when the Clinton’s and Gore’s walked out on stage on their big day, but the image of President Obama and his wife, Michelle, dancing across the Presidential seal just keeps coming to mind. Can you imagine what they were feeling as they held each other to dance? It is a new beginning for sure and I couldn’t help thinking about how their lives will never be the same. The excitement in the air on Tuesday and the hope in the eyes of the American people was one I will always remember.
Congratulations President Obama and family! I wish you success not only today, but to last a lifetime. Cordially, Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
Dream or DisappointmentTip #4: Dream or Disappointment. Having the right tools is the most important first step for any organizing project or job. Just as you would make a checklist and take inventory of the tools needed for painting a room, do the same for organizing the cabinets under the sink, clearing clutter on your office desk or adding order to the kids’ playroom. Having the right tools and resources can be the defining difference between creating your dream closet and a disappointing afternoon. My Favorite Thing: With tax time just around the corner, the Multi-Blade Shredder Scissors have a special place in my desk drawer. They work just like an electric shredder but take up less space. They’re great for credit card statements, receipts, bills and any other personal document that you don’t want falling in the wrong hands.
Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O
I Am Proud to Be An AmericanAfter watching the Obama Inaugural Concert on HBO yesterday, I knew that my blog post today could only be about one thing. Today I had to write about how proud I am to be an American. The feeling of excitement shared across our country during the last few days is definitely infectious and the history that will take place tomorrow will fill the dream of hope and change for many. But, if you haven’t already caught the HBO concert, it is a must, and I mean MUST see! I was overwhelmed as I watched the President Elect Barack Obama and his family along with tens of thousands of fellow Americans enjoying performances by music legends and mega stars that included James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder along with a stellar performance of “Shout” by Garth Brooks. And a finale of “America the Beautiful” sang by Beyonce that could warm anyone’s heart at the Lincoln Memorial. Actors Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jack Black and Marissa Tomei also took the stage reading passages honoring President Abraham Lincoln, while choirs sang songs that swept the outdoors of Washington D.C. Our Nation’s capitol was filled with warm and ready hearts. The air is filled with hope and anticipation of a new beginning…in more ways than one. I look forward to tomorrow’s Inauguration, our new President and the change that will come along with it. Proudly, Mrs. Organized Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
Trash or TreasureThe Hottest Topic for 2009? Trash or Treasure… Tip #3: Let’s face it, if you are not collecting white blouses to pass down through the generations then decide which ones to keep and which ones to donate. Your junk drawer will also be a cleaner and neater space with less than 30 pencils or pens that don’t work. One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to trash items I don’t use! One way I am doing this, and making it easy for myself, is by using a service that will come right to my home and do all the loading and pick up for me. I am using 1-800-GOT-JUNK which is the largest junk removal service. They have on-time service, remove anything from old furniture to appliances and electronics and will take single items or entire truck loads. Just call (1-800-468-5865) or go online (www.1800gotjunk.com) to schedule a pick up. You can always do a Google search for “junk removal services” in your area to find other organizations to come to your home and help you throw out the old so you can bring in the new! My Favorite Thing: Not only is the Club Tote Bag by Toss Designs one of my favorite things, but it is also one of Oprah’s, as seen in the January issue of O Magazine. Another New Year’s Resolution is to get fit in 2009 and this is my new gym buddy. It has a place for everything; clothes, shoes, cell phone, keys, iPod, snack, water and whatever else you want to bring along. It’s also great to tote around as a casual bag. Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
Solutions To Your ResolutionsHere’s another tip to get you organized and stay on track with your resolutions. Tip #2: Plan and Purchase your tools and supplies. Get a grip on what you really need and use what you already have. If you are organizing your sweaters, shop for sweater organizers, If the garage is your goal, search for those storage solutions, tool racks, bike lifts, sports equipment organizers and lawn equipment organizers. My Favorite Thing: Bronze accessories are a must have in my kitchen and the “Tug” Paper Towel Stand by Umbra is the latest addition. It is sleek, stylish, easy to use and takes up minimal counter space. There is no fuss when tearing off sheets of paper towel and Mr. O likes it too.
Happy Organizing! - Mrs. O Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrsorganized
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Copyright © 2012 Organize.com
Copyright © 2012 Organize.com