We came home from our getaway last night to the comforts of home, but also the leftover remnants of Christmas. And as much as I love (and need) that Christmas scent, at season’s end it’s always dried to a crisp. Then comes that moment (I know you feel this too) when the need for clean hits and you simply cannot rest until ever last twig and needle leaves the premises. It happened last night. 

I couldn’t rest until (two hours later) all of it was deposited in the bin outside and I was left sweating, broom in hand, having rid the house of anything that was once a swag of an evergreen. Today I’ll be packing up the rest of the decor for next year, and for me there’s not much more that’s as satisfying as getting organized in anticipation of the new year. 

Yes, it’s almost January, and don’t you love what it brings? The promise of fresh start.

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Organization increases productivity, decreases anxiety, and allows one to think more clearly and creatively. Organization is a time saver when you don’t waste precious minutes searching for things ~ when all your stuff is in its intended place. 

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I have a lot of housekeeping to do in the next few days, here on the ol’ blog and at home too, because I’m craving that clean slate for the start of 2012. 

Aren’t you?

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Sooooo…… how perfectly timed is today’s giveaway, brought to you you by my long time sponsor Simplify 101.  Two lucky readers will win a free spot in their Organizing 101 Online Workshop which begins in early January.  Your instructor is professional organizer Aby Garvey, founder of Simplify 101, and recently featured in the January issue of Better Homes & Gardens (check out page 37!) . In this workshop, you’ll learn how to declutter your home using simple yet effective organizing principles for a space of any size.  The material is presented in bite size pieces in six lessons over six weeks, which allows you to digest the information and reasonably put it into action. 

Don’t you want to start changing the way you live? 

If you run into any stumbling blocks along the way, you have direct access to Aby, so you can get unstuck and get going again.  You’ll learn basic organizing concepts, a simple, step-by-step organizing process, and start to set compelling goals for your future organizing projects to create the organized home you’ve always dreamed of. 

Eligibility to win one of two spots in the Organizing 101 Workshop ($79 value):

1. Leave a comment telling where you most need organization in your life. 

2.  For a second chance to win, link to this giveaway on either Facebook or Twitter, then leave a second comment telling where you linked (FB or Twitter).  

3. For a third chance to win, sign up to receive the free Mini Guide for creating a command central binder, then leave third comment stating “I’m signed up”. 

Two winners chosen at random, giveaway ends Sunday January 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. PST.

Bonus: Simplify 101 is offering CG readers 15% off enrollment of any of their current workshops and instant downloads.  To take advantage of this offer, enter CG15 during checkout. This offer is good through Friday, January 6, 2012, (and can’t be combined with any other offer).  Also, if you’ve got organizational questions, you can live chat with Aby on the BH&G Facebook page on January 5th between 2 and 4 CST.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

winners:  # 398  Janna and # 554 Audra, congratulations!

Winners received an email from me.

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I asked my friend Jen, the the super momma blogger behind I Heart Organizing to offer up some advice for those of us who get that anxious feeling during these busy times ~ Jen has so many great ideas for everyday storage solutions around the home, I thought she’d be the perfect guest to offer some encouraging suggestions for staying organized through the holidays and beyond.

Please welcome Jen and her advice for staying organized during this season! 

“Hi everyone! Jen from IHeart Organizing here today to share a couple of my favorite holiday organizing tips and tricks!  Let’s face it, the holidays can be an extremely chaotic and busy time!  From activities to decorating to entertaining, it seems as though there is always something going on. I am a big believer that with a little organization; you can make it through all of the craziness with a smile on your face.

Have your gotten your first holiday card in the mail yet? They are sure to start coming in daily, so now is the time to start thinking up fun ways to keep them on display to enjoy them throughout the entire course of the season.

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A few festive ideas are to clip the cards to decorative ribbon, pin them to a pretty memo board, string them from twinkling strands of lights or create a Christmas tree collage right on your favorite focal wall.  When the holidays wind down, whether you choose to hold onto the cards or recycle them is always a personal choice, however, a great way to preserve all of those family photos you received is to create a dedicated holiday album that can be added to year after year.

Once the cards are all sent off in the mail, it’s time to start the gift purchasing and wrapping process. To dress up those pretty packages, we tend to use all sorts of supplies, from ribbons and tags to wrapping paper and bags. The best way to keep your sanity through it all is to create a wrapping “station”, in which all of your supplies are right within easy reach and corralled all together.

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There are endless ways to store your wrapping supplies, even using things you may already have lying around your home. For example, simple tension rods make amazing ribbon and wrapping paper holders and stacking or decorative baskets are great for stashing away bows and tags. If storage space is at a premium in your abode, consider using the backside of a closet door to keep it all organized. And to really save your pennies on all of those pretty papers, think about only purchasing wrapping paper that is relevant for any occasion and then store single sheets or even entire rolls in mailing tubes to keep them looking great year after year. 

Once the gifts are wrapped, it’s time to party!

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Entertaining over the holidays often requires special linens and serving pieces. A great way to keep your table cloths, runners and placemats looking great is to hang them in a pantry or linen closet from skirt/pant hangers vs. storing them in boxes or bins. And if you are receiving help in the kitchen to prepare dinner for all of your guests, toss simple labels near each serving dish so that your helpers know which pieces go with the foods that are being served.

Once the holiday season comes to an end, the not so fun part of packing it all up comes with it. However, there are some things that will make it easier to pack and unpack year after year.

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Start out by taking inventory of your holiday belongings and décor and weeding out the items that are no longer in good shape or being used, to avoid packing away pieces that will take up valuable storage real estate. And don’t forget that once the holidays are over it is the best time to replace those items thanks to all of the great post holiday sales!

Specialty holiday storage items can get really expensive, so don’t be afraid to get creative when packing up your decor. Save your egg cartons, wine boxes, paper cups, tomato packages and shoe boxes and pair them with a stack of tissue paper and you will have storage that will take care of those fragile items for the long haul.

When packing it all up into bins and boxes, think about the order in which you will use those decorations the following year and place the items you use first, into the bins last so they are right on top when you begin the decorating process again. And of course, it is best to store your items in plastic bins if they are going to be in moist or damp locations and label, label, label for easy identification.

To kick start your holiday organizing, I whipped up a couple of freebie printables for you to choose from, which can help you track your gift purchases and budget year after year!

download here

download here 

A huge virtual hug and thank you to Kate for having me today! I hope you all have a happy and organized holiday!”

Thank YOU Jen for sharing your best tips with us today!  I love the idea of repurposing everyday items like shoeboxes or plastic fruit containers as holiday ornament storage, and those gift trackers will surely come in handy, one master list to keep in the purse!

What about you, how do you keep it all together in December between the everyday necessities and the added responsibilities of the holiday season?  Got any tips you’d like to share?

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Doesn’t that sound weird? And a little premature? It does to me, but I was reminded yesterday that Thanksgiving is four weeks away, and Christmas is eight weeks away, which is just a little frightening. 

Isn’t it crazy how the time between Halloween and New Years Eve goes by in the blink of an eye. Cah-ray-zee! I love this season more than any other but it always seems so rushed unless I make serious efforts to plan ahead. I wrote an article on holiday housekeeping last year as a reminder that I need to start pacing myself in October and get to planning.  I revisited the topic again over coffee this morning and thought I’d share.  Here is a condensed version of last year’s article with a few tips for holiday housekeeping:  

I was at Michaels today and noticed already Halloween is on clearance and the flashy Christmas decorations are all on display. And it’s still October. This is no surprise, it happens earlier every year, but there’s still that moment of “O.M.GEE, it’s almost Christmas!" that makes my head spin. I’ll look on the bright side and interpret all those sparkly ornaments as a nudging reminder that the holiday season is about to descend with all of its magic and mayhem.   

In the last few years, I’ve learned (the hard way) that this season is far more joyous the better prepared I am, so I’m taking some steps in the next two weeks to brace prepare myself for the frenzy:  

1. Swap out the Wardrobe.  I still need to put all the summer attire away in baskets and clear out the shelves of any summer footwear (me thinks it’s this weekend’s project…)  I find having a closet consisting of only cold weather clothing helps me keep it cleaner and more organized.  As the temperatures drop, the entire family will be needing to keep their toes warm.  Matching up all the lonely socks is a laborious task that I would gladly trade with anyone who needs something painted.  Any takers?  :D

I typically store my summer clothes up high in baskets on a shelf, but my mom swears by those vacuum bags, the ones where you suck all the air out and you can get ten sweaters to reduce to the size of one.  I haven’t bought any yet because they’re pricey, but as I understand they’re worth if for the closet real estate they provide. 

2. Prepare for Overnight Guests.   We’ve had guests every weekend since September and there will still be many more. It’s great to open up our home to friends and family, but this means they all need pillows to sleep on and blankets to keep them warm.  It’s time to take inventory of our linen closet to make sure there is enough clean and comfy bedding for colder winter nights. 

3. Stock the Pantry and Freezer.  We cook a lot, we bake a lot, and we drink a lot of wine, amen.  Stocking up now on staples now like sugar, flour, pumpkin pie mix, spices, and even garbage bags will help to avoid those holiday crowds at Costco that I dread. It’s also time to clean out our freezer in anticipation of buying bulk items to store from poultry and pot roast for colder evening meals.   

4. Winterize the House.  Around here, we get a lot of rain, which means it’s time to clean gutters and make sure downspouts that are directed away from house to avoid flooding the foundation.  Ah the joys of home ownership, right?  So much darn work!  We also need to weatherize a drafty door, check the furnace and change the filter, turn off the sprinklers, and cover the patio furniture. 

5. Inventory the Winter Outerwear.  With growing children, we’re always in need of new coats, boots, hats, etc.  Thankfully, we have friends who often donate jackets or rain boots to us when their kids outgrow them cause winter wear gets costly quickly. What’s your favorite source for quality affordable winter gear for kids?  I’ve shopped Lands End in the past, are there any other great sources?  Also, anyone know of a clever way to ‘label’ your kids outerwear, other than a Sharpie? 

6. Make a Holiday Budget and Stick to It. This is the most important thing of all, and admittedly the one I struggle with the most.  (Especially when I spied some “must have” sunburst mirror mini ornaments at a local Christmas shop, I die!) But since I dread a big credit card statement in January showing all those little extras that I failed to account for with poor planning. I’m convinced with a budget in place, I’m less likely to spend carelessly and more likely to be smart with my money. 

7. Get Ready to Gift Wrap. One of the reasons I built a gift wrap organizer was because of the disorganization I felt with all that gift wrap! With a small zone dedicated to a few rolls of wrap with ribbon, tape and scissors there is far less stress and having all the wrap ready to go is a huge time saver.

8. Start to Gather Gifts Now.  I think it’s smart to start shopping for Christmas gifts in October, and the purchases are made easier when I keep a small list in your purse or wallet of all the people you need to buy for.  If the plan is to make homemade gifts, oh boy, I’ll need to budget even more time to gather supplies and dedicate those few hours to crafting with enjoyment rather than under pressure. 

There is always the benefit to getting the shopping done early by avoiding the crowds and impulse buys, but then again those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals get better every year!  Which do you prefer, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?  Me thinks I prefer the latter since it can be done in my pajamas. 

9. Decorate With What Exists.  Isn’t it true how tempting all of those brand new holiday decorations can be?  It’s all so sparkly and pretty and wonderful, however I think it’s important to inventory what already exists in your stash and try to make it work somehow.  If the budget permits, then by all means, supplement with some new seasonal finds, ornaments, and accessories.

10. Prepare for Hours Spent Indoors, but…  Colder weather always makes entertainment challenging, especially with daytime hours spent indoors so having plenty of games, books, and art supplies around keeps boredom at bay. 

However, when the kids start climbing the walls, I’m one of those parents that dresses them warmly then pushes points them outside to the puddles or piles of snow. My parents made us do it, so it’s the least I can do to pay it forward. The reward for all that outdoor play is soup and hot chocolate all around which is one of the very best things about winter, right? 

All images via Country Living

Hey busy ladies, how do you prepare the looming holiday season?  Do you take it one holiday at a time, or are you already planning ahead for them all?  What’s your best kept secret for surviving this fast approaching holiday season?

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It used to pile up in my house until I thought it would eat me alive.  It used to give me such anxiety, but I finally developed a system that really works for me.  The real key for me was eliminating as much as I could, and then finding a place for what was leftover.  I think that’s the key for keeping just about anything organized: purge often, and have a place for what remains, then you’ll stay sane. 

My method for paper organization isn’t sexy and I’m no organizational pro.  I can guarantee you there is no Pinterest worthy perfectly painted and organized command central armoire (I wish, maybe someday!)  I was asked about a month ago by a reader how I keep it all organized, so here are a few of the tricks I use to control my paper clutter. 

1.  Identify It.  It took me years to figure this out, but now in hindsight it seems so simple.  The very best trick I ever came up with was sitting down with my piles of paper clutter and making a list of exactly each type of paper that was coming into my house, then creating a solution for each one. 

Solutions I Came Up With:

2.  Have a Tray for It.  I weed through my mail the instant it comes through the door.  Much of it goes into the recycle bin, if it’s junk mail or some unwanted solicitation.  I try to call catalog companies that I’m not interested in to take me off their mailing list.  Bills, notices, or invitations I need to respond to right way go into my kitchen ‘To Do’ tray that I go through once a week. 

If you’re looking for ways to reduce junk mail or catalogs, I mentioned a few resources here in this article about kicking clutter to the curb.  

Another trick I use for invitations or anything that needs immediate attention is attach it to this custom sized memo board I built last year and hung next to my back door.  

3.  Make a File for It.  My blog is a small business now, so I keep whatever papers, contracts, or payments I haven’t stored and backed up online in a simple file folder.

The same story for the credit card statements, loan papers, insurance documents, and bank statements I get in the mail (or print from my online files).  They’re stored in either plain plastic hanging file folder bins I mentioned here that I found at Target, or I file them in my office credenza.  Birth certificates, wills, and other important legal documents all have their own file folder. 

4.  Make a Binder for It.  We’re a busy family, with school calendars and sports schedules to keep up with, so I keep a family binder next to my wall calendar filled with everything I need, and it’s easy to grab when I need to access that information quickly.   If you’d like a free download for how to create a command central family binder, be sure to grab it over at Simplify 101. 

If you prefer the online method, try About One, a great place for you to organize all of your family’s information in one place, from babysitter or caregiver information, to health history, to home maintenance.

The same is true for my blog, I keep a binder with my calendar and all of my ideas stored in one place next to my computer, so whenever I have an idea or need to refer to a recipe, it’s all here. 

I keep my sketches in here too, for whenever I have a DIY idea or a piece of furniture I plan to refurbish.  I used to have them on pieces of paper scattered all around my house and office, but I’ve become habitual about storing blog ideas and sketches in my ‘blog binder’. 

On the right is my original sketch for last year’s Christmas card holder.

5.  Create a Basket or a Box for It.   I keep this coupon basket on a shelf by my back door, so anytime I know I’m headed to shop for groceries or retail, I’ve got my relevant coupons ready! 

Receipts go into a big box until I enter them into my bookkeeping files and then I store them in a big ol’ envelope for when it’s time to do my taxes.

All moms know kid art and schoolwork quickly piles up, so I sort through it and get rid of just about anything I know won’t make me tear up and go “Aww”.  I keep seasonal cards or artwork in art boxes, and minimal amounts of their proudest schoolwork in basic boxes in a drawer in the dresser in my entry.  

As for most of my magazine tear sheets, I’m ashamed to say I have no method other than tossing them into an old box.

You got something against parmesan cheese? 

Hey, I warned you, my method isn’t sexy.  Someday I’ll get all of my room design inspiration into its own binder.  Hey, most of my inspiration files are stored online and also on my computer.  I do already have a few organized binders devoted to topics like ‘holiday’, ‘outdoor’, or ‘travel’, but truth be told, most of my tear sheets have been tossed into this cheesy box (couldn’t resist). 

Finally, I think it’s essential to . . .

6. Own a Label Maker and Paper Shredder.   My Brother label maker makes it so much more fun and fancy to keep my files organized.  I love my Brother.  And my brothers.  I love both my Brother and my brothers.  The former in the most lovey dovey affectionate way, the latter in the “Hey yo, how you doin?” way.  Just needed to get that straight. 

And it goes without saying, having a shredder is key for your own security, so I shred anything with a bank account, credit card number, or any personal information about me or my kids.  Plus a shredder makes great Easter basket or gift box liner with tissue paper, right?

Like I said, this is only my method, and I found it’s what truly works for me.  I like having anything out in the open in stylish trays, baskets, or containers, but if it’s hidden away, heck an old box works just fine for me.  It’s how I keep it all filed away and all straight in my head. 

Not sexy, certainly not magazine worthy, but what’s much more important, it’s what works for me!  And I truly think that’s the key, find a place for everything and develop a method that works for YOU!

Want to learn from the real pros?  Hop on over to Simplify 101 and check out their upcoming workshop ‘Organize Your Paper Clutter’, it’s how I learned much of what I know.  The workshop offers invaluable insight on what paper you need to shred, what paper you need to keep, and how long you need to keep it so you can handle your paper efficiently and confidently.

What is the one way you stay on top of of all the paper that comes into your home?  Do share, we could all learn from your technique!

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I have a few tactics I use, but to answer the big question on how to best keep kids’ spaces organized, I invited my good friend Cristin from Simplified Bee to offer a few tips.  Cristin is a busy mom of two girls, and a professional organizer too.  She’s a real pro when it comes to this topic. 

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So Cristin, tell us all your secrets.  What are the best ways to keep those kid spaces clean and organized? 

“Keeping kids’ rooms organized is a challenge for most parents. How many of us have cleaned our child’s room only to find it turned upside down in minutes. And if you have a collector {dolls, rocks or toy cars} it can be especially painful to keep the space neat. Here are some helpful tips to help organize kids’ rooms:

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Before you purchase baskets, bins and furnishings, take inventory of all clothing, toys and books in your child’s room.  Start by sorting clothing based on condition {torn, stained, etc.}, size {too small} and use {winter jackets, sports/dance}.  Donate, sell or giveaway clothing that your child has outgrown and is still in good condition.  Discard all clothing that is torn or stained beyond repair.  Place all clothing that your child has not grown into yet in a clear plastic container and label {child’s name and size clothing}.

These bins should be stored on the top shelf of the child’s closet or in another area of your home.  For clothing your child is currently wearing, it’s best to hang coats, sweaters and dressy outfits.  Designate drawers in a dresser for socks and underwear, tee shirts, pants and sport or dance uniforms.

As for the toys, the process is very similar.  Sort all toys into groups.  Donate, giveaway, keep, toss or store the toy depending on its condition, size and how often it’s used or loved.  For example, you may want to store toys that are larger in a playroom or garage.

If age appropriate, get your child to help you sort items.  They may enjoy the process and learn why organizing and storing items into groups makes it easier to find items when we need them.

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I am a huge fan of vertical storage options such as shelves and bookcases. Please make sure however, that they are secured to the wall for your child’s safety.

Organizing from bottom to top based on the child’s age and interest is the best way to get started.  Smaller children will enjoy having age appropriate toys and books at their level.  And if they can take them down, they can usually put them back.  Save higher shelves for items that are fragile, nostalgic or toys used less often. 

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Shelving units are also a great area to incorporate and utilize compartmentalized storage products such as baskets, bins and pails.  Before purchasing storage bins, be sure to measure the height, depth and width of the shelves to ensure you buy the right size and number.  Sort toys, books or collections based on type and designate a bin for each group. 

 Labeling each bin {i.e. books, Barbies, Legos, etc.} might make sense for older children.  Toddlers however, might struggle to just assist in putting toys away. If the label becomes too much of an issue, then simply aim at getting the toys put away rather than in the correct bin.

 

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Every bedroom needs a trash can and a laundry hamper and kid’s rooms are no exception. Children can learn at a young age where to throw tissues and put dirty clothing. Invest in a hamper that allows your child to divide his laundry into darks and whites. This will help keep the floors clean of dirty laundry and will help educate them on how to wash clothing properly. In terms of trash cans, purchase one that can be wiped down easily and is small enough for a child to carry to the garbage can. Children should be educated on what is trash and what items can be recycled.

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Hooks are another great way to help organize your kids’ room.  With so many cute styles to choose from, I’m sure you will find one that goes with your room’s decor.  Hang hooks on the back of the door, in the closet or on a wall.  In any case, hang it at the level the child can reach it when possible.  This will make them feel more important and in turn want to use them!

Regardless of your child’s age, make it a daily routine to clean their room.  Kids over the age of about six should be able to clean their room with little help from parents.  Toddlers will need some assistance.  In any case, schedule a time each day {ours is before bedtime stories} to pick up the room.  Putting toys and clothing away at the end of the day will allow for a more peaceful bedtime.

Reward your children for their work with praise, hugs or stickers.  Track their progress on a chart or add the task to their weekly allowance.  If you value and recognize your child’s hard work, they will be more apt to clean their room the next day. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

Well said Cristin, thank you!!  

I agree, the keys to keeping kid clutter at bay are to 1) purge frequently when they’re not looking! 2) provide them with an actual space to put their clothes and toys, and 3) train those monkeys to clean up their toys as part of a daily routine.

My kids playspace rarely ever  looks this clean, but we do aim to keep it somewhat close to this. I’m a big believer in colorful bins to achieve organization.  Kids love them because they are so naturally drawn to bright cheerful color.   Stuffed animals, crayons, random collections they make ~ it’s all got to have a place or chaos happens.   And yes, there is a game of musical rugs going on around this house. 

I use all kinds of different storage solutions, including magazine holders for the educational books, simple tags, and inexpensive bins for corraling movies and other plastic toys.  Colorful cloth bins are the greatest invention since sliced bread for any frazzled mom, and you can find them at all price ranges. 

Like Cristin advises, making sure they fit your unit is important.  I’ve picked up baskets and bins over the years in places like Target, the Container Store, Michaels, or Walmart, and also online at stores like The Land of Nod. 

And nothing beats the all purpose basket for storing just about anything from coloring books, to Legos, to building blocks.  

Hooks are a fantastic way to get clothes or costumes off the floor.

In our boy’s room we take full advantage of a tall storage unit for trains, puzzles, Hot Wheels, and pirate booty. 

In my girl’s room, I use sweet hatboxes (found at the Land of Nod) to store dollhouse furniture, and all those Polly Pockets she’s so into these days.  A homemade ruffled skirt around my old coffee table from college hides all sorts of other treasures. 

Barbies, jewelry, and even socks are stored in this desk.  My girl loves her collection of bells, but like Cristin mentioned, they are kept up above to deter playing with them.

Kids spaces never look as pretty or clean or organized as they do in pictures, and some days, you’ve just got to let it all go.  Most of the time I do.  I think it’s more important sometimes to just get down on the floor to make the messes with them. 

So c’mon busy moms, time for you to chime in.  What are your best tips for keeping your kid spaces organized? 

 Or is that asking the impossible?

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Being organized helps me get more done, and devote more time to my family and I’m made serious efforts this year to make it so!  It helps me think clearly, remain focused, and always saves time.  Don’t you find that to be true?  I have adopted some strategies from my sponsor Simplify 101 which truly help.  Have you visited their site?   The founder Aby Garvey is an organizing and productivity expert!  I love her motto, “More Fun, More Done”.  Having an organized home is one way to make more time to be creative too.

Source

Just in time for the upcoming New Year, I have an exciting giveaway for you!  January is organizing month, so Simplify 101 is offering three winners their choice of any of their four upcoming workshops. 

Here are your choices:

Quick and Simple Clutter Control

(Two lessons in quick clutter elimination, starts January 4th)

How to Achieve Your Goals

(Four lessons in turning dreams into reality, starts January 6th)

Organizing 101

(Six lessons about simple organizing, starts January 25th)

It’s About Time

(Six lessons in time management, starts February 17th)

From the comfort of home, you pace yourself with online material and/or downloadable lessons each week.  You can listen to the lesson online or download it as an .mp3 file as well.  For those of us on the go, I find this DIY approach to learning on your own time is so convenient, rather than attending some seminar at a set time and away from home.  You can ask your instructor Aby specific questions and even post photos of your problem spots.  The online classroom is there to support you!  See for yourself just how they all work with this tour.   

If you’re in need of more inspirational tips, check out Simplify 101’s Organizing Article Directory with over three dozen helpful post for everything from closet organization to spring cleaning to staying organized with kids (I need that!).  You can also sign up for weekly tips with Simplify 101’s organizing newsletter, like this trick for minimizing holiday clutter after you bring out those seasonal decorations.  

Finally, if you’re tired of searching through piles of paperwork for that same document and you’d like to create a time saving central resource for your home, anyone can get their hands on a free copy of Aby’s How To Create A Command Central Binder.  With kid schedules, meetings, and lunch menus, don’t all of us moms need one of those?  

Now for the giveaway, three winners this time! 

Don’t you want to get organized in the New Year?  

Simplify 101 will make sure you do!

Eligibility for three winners to pick their choice of online workshops with Simplify 101

1)  Tell about your biggest organizational challenge in a comment.  Is it your closet or your junk drawer?  Do you struggle with time management or too much clutter?  Share where you need organizational help! 

2) For extra chances to win, link to this giveaway on Facebook, and/or tweet about this giveaway on Twitter, then leave additional comments telling where you mentioned this giveaway (FB or Twitter).

Three winners chosen by Random.org.  Giveaway ends Monday December 20, 2010 at 8 p.m. PST.

Good luck and have a fantastic weekend! 

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What about you?  Do you struggle with staying organized?  Do you want to declutter your home, but don’t know where to start?  Whether your home needs a complete organizational overhaul, or you have just a room or two that is outside of your clutter comfort zone, here’s an opportunity to discover how to create an organized space you’ll love.

This weekend, my lovely sponsor Simplify 101 is offering two readers a spot in the online workshop Organizing 101 ~ the opportunity for a fresh start!  

In Organizing 101, you’ll learn basic organizing concepts, plus you’ll uncover the reasons why your past efforts may not be working.  The workshop is packed with motivation, inspiration, and most importantly, the tools you need to get organized once and for all and just in time for back to school.  Here’s a sneak peek 2 minute video that gives you the skinny on what you can expect in this workshop. 

Spread out over six weeks, you’ll have plenty of time to review the materials that provide answers to your pressing organizational issues.   You’re free to review the weekly materials on your own time over the six weeks, online or in PDF format, or even in MP3 format.  

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You’ll have the support of a professional organizer to answer questions, plus a friendly online community, you can take action and organize your home. 

The kind folks at Simplify 101 are offering two lucky readers a free spot in the Organizing 101 online workshop – a $75 dollar value, starting this upcoming week.      

Eligibility to win one of two free spots in the Organizing 101 workshop:

1)  Leave a comment simply describing your biggest organizational challenge !  

2) For a second chance to win, either link to this giveaway on Facebook OR tweet this giveaway with a link on Twitter, and then leave a second comment telling me where you mentioned this giveaway (FB or Twitter). 

Giveaway ends Monday August 9th at 8 p.m. PST ~ two winners chosen by Random.org. 

If you’d like more tips on organizing your home or office top to bottom, sign up for Simplify 101’s organizing newsletter right here !   You can also follow the blog and get even more daily tips.

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY WEEKEND !

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I’ve read a few books and done a lot of research online over the last few days on natural cleaning agents.  I am now a virtual Cliff Clavin on the use of household products for all natural cleaning.  Of course, this is spoken by someone who believes just about everything she reads online.  Like this internet shocker from Erin, did you hear ? Scrunchies are back. 

But come to think of it, if you’re snowed in, a scrunchie might make a great dusting tool, wrapped around the tip of a toothbrush.  Just close the blinds so your neighbors don’t catch you on camera holding such a relic of bad fashion.  Of course, that’s assuming anyone still owns a scrunchie.  I think some gals still do.  But if you ever leave your house wearing a scrunchie, do not admit this, because I might have to defriend you on Facebook.  

Lemons are not just for cocktails, my friends. Oil and vinegar are not just for salad dressing.  Baking soda is not just for making cakes and removing odor from the fridge.  These handy household kitchen staples work wonders as natural cleaning agents. 

Lemons

Wipe half a sliced lemon onto cutting boards to freshen and clean. 

Toss peels in your garbage disposal and rinse with hot water to freshen up your kitchen sink in no time. 

Clean grout stains by mixing lemon juice with a few tablespoons of baking soda. 

Out of bleach ?  Need to whiten whites in the wash ?  Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse cycle instead. 

Mix the squeeze of a lemon with a full spray bottle of water for a quick all purpose cleaner. 

Got ants?  Squeeze lemon juice at their entry point to repel them. 

Vegetable and Olive Oils

Use cooking oil mixed with coarse salt to clean a cast iron pan.

To keep fingerprints off stainless steel, or to remove streaks, buff with olive, vegetable or baby oil. 

Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts of vegetable oil to make your own furniture polish.  Speaking of wood furniture, have you ever tried to use a dry paintbrush dipped in wood cleaner to clean and polish those nooks and hard to reach places ?   Try it, it works ! 

Rub a small amount of vegetable oil on your grater before using it.  It will clean up quicker. 

Baking Soda

Lightly sprinkled on carpets, it makes a great deodorizer.  You can also mix it with a few tablespoons of cornstarch or baby powder to make a homemade carpet freshener. 

Scorch your nonstick pan ?  Mix a paste of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water.  Allow to set overnight, and rinse away the burn in the morning. 

Clean your oven window with a paste made from baking soda and water.  Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to remove stubborn oil spatter and grime. 

1 teaspoon to 3 cups hot water will deodorize stinky plastic containers.

Remove coffee or tea stains from ceramic cups with a cloth dipped in baking soda. 

Remove greasy buildup on your kitchen cabinets with a paste made from baking soda and water.  Wipe down with a small amount of white vinegar. 

Clean stove burner grates by soaking them in your sink with 1 gallon of hot water and 1/2 cup of baking soda for an hour. 

Whiten lace that has yellowed by bringing to a boil 1/4 cup baking soda, 6 cups of water and 1 tsp laundry soap.  Dip lace in hot water and remove with tongs. 

Distilled Vinegar

Make an all purpose cleaner for kitchens and bathrooms by filling a water spray bottle with water and 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar.  You can add a squeeze of lemon too, if you want to neutralize the vinegar smell.  This solution cleans chrome, tile, enamel, glass, just about anything !  You can even spray your vegetables with it, then rinse them, to clean off your produce from the grocery store. 

Run 1/2 cup in empty dishwasher to deodorize and steam clean.

Rinse 1/4 cup vinegar with 12 cups of water through your coffee maker to keep it fresh. 

Clean just about any floor except marble with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a large bucket of water.  I do this with my wood floors about once a month. 

Moisten a cloth with vinegar and wipe down your fridge shelves.  This also helps to prevent mildew. 

Use distilled white vinegar to remove soap scum from shower doors.

For many many more uses for distilled vinegar, click on over to VinegarTips.com.

 - More Household Items that Double Duty as Cleaners -

 Mouthwash (1/2 cup) mixed with a bucket of water makes a great cleaner for tile countertops and floors. 

Toothpaste on a dry cloth removes crayon marks from your walls, buffs tarnished silver and chrome, and even claims to repair CDs that skip (that last one I’m dying to try). 

Hairspray removes ball point pen ink stains from garments. 

Mayonnaise removes water rings from wood.  Use a tablespoon to cover the ring and allow to sit for 4 to 6 hours.  I’ve used this trick before, it works ! 

Shaving cream renders your bathroom mirrors fogless.  Of course, that information is so January 7th.   If you followed me on Twitter you’d have learned this by now.  I actually tried this, and it works.  Try cleaning and then buffing them with shaving cream to avoid having to wipe off steam after your hot shower.  Shaving cream can also be used to remove carpet stains. 

Want more cleaning tips using ordinary household products?  Real Simple is the best at revealing new uses for items you already have in your home.  Click on over here to read about smart uses for old things, like cooking oil as a substitute for Goo Gone.  Or how about this article as a resource for cleaning solutions, like using rice to clean your coffee grinder. 

In truth, I was disappointed with this tip, recommending I spray my vintage sweaters with vodka to remove musty odors.  Fat chance I’ll part with my Smirnoff for that. 

_____________________________

This ends my overly ambitious series on getting a fresh start in 2010.  Thanks so much for all your kind comments throughout the week.  I’m tired.  I think I’ll have some of that Smirnoff now.  Cause it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. 

 Top Five Images 1) Country Living 2) Cooking Light 3) EHow 4) Quick and Simple 5) Beverage Warehouse

Feel free to share your best cleaning tip so we all might benefit from your expertise !  Know of another household item that works double duty as a cleaning agent ?  Do share. 

Have a great weekend all.  Be safe and stay warm !

Hello my lovely. 

I saw this deliciously darling file tote at the local stationery store and had to have it.  Notice how it knows how chic it is by calling itself a “pretty file tote”.  Kind of like that 80’s Pantene commercial where Kelly LeBrock used to say “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” 

I don’t hate you “pretty file tote”.  No darling, I adore you, especially after you saved me from such wicked despair. 

Self proclaimed “pretty file tote” inspired me to tackle what was tormenting me for months – a ghastly pile of paperwork to be sorted.  I’ll spare you the photo of what my haphazard box of disorganized papers looked like a few days ago.  Let’s just agree It was the definition of a filing nightmare.  Besides, if I showed you, self proclaimed “pretty file tote” would gasp audibly and refuse to be associated with such a mess.

Enter attractive office supplies, and my dearest darling love – the Brother label maker.  

I had a pretty good plan awhile back.  I was really good at discarding junk mail the moment it crossed the threshold.  I separated and recycled it the minute it came through the door. 

The leftovers were the true problem.  I had a mediocre system in place before, “Bills” here, “Catalogs” there.  I had all the birth certificates and legal documents kinda sorta pretty much organized.  But way too much miscellaneous paperwork was slipping through the cracks.  The “mail to be sorted” multiplied like rabbits overnight.  It became my nemesis.  I would pass by it late at night, fist in the air, and mutter through gritted teeth “Curse you, vile mail to be sorted box”.  Yes, I hated it that much. 

My previous system was like any invention.  Often it takes the first edition to reveal the kinks in the design in order to work them out.  I think I’ve finally worked them kinks out. 

I’ll agree to reveal my plan, but you’re all sworn to absolute secrecy.  Never mind that I’ve published this for the world to see.  Details.   

First, I highly recommend you arm yourself with a label maker.  As you can see, we have a mutual attraction to each other.

I love my Brother label maker.  He had me at hello.  

 He helps me do this . . .

And this . . . 

Boooooo. Taxes.  Blech. 

One of my biggest organizational problems was saving, organizing, and then finding receipts.  Thanks to “pretty file tote”, my dilemma is solved.   Now, I get kind of giddy filing receipts. 

And I can’t be the only one who adores this up close and personal shot of pretty labeled file folders.  Totally Flickr worthy. 

My next organizational stroke of luck was finding these portable letter size hanging files at Tar-jay.  Okay, they’re plastic, but that’s just fine with me, because they will be completely hidden from view.  Plus they’re cheap.  

I printed up some Avery labels . . .

Slapped them on the side of these portable holders . . .

See, they’re not completely hideous.  Apple green lids ?  Me likey. 

They store ever so perfectly inside a standard depth cabinet. 

And they stack too, just in case anyone wants to store them vertically. 

Simple pleasures. 

Don’t forget when sorting through paperwork to get yourself another muscular helper.  Mr. Shredder is short, compact, and destructive to any document in danger of revealing my true identity. 

But oh no, I didn’t stop there.  Important keepsakes and lesser used texts aka ‘foreign language’ *hangs head in shame* get their own personal bin. 

Coupons get their own basket, cause I’m a big collector.

I have a teensy addiction to fabric swatches, so I corral my collection in this bin I picked up last year at Michaels.  

Recipes go in a simple three ring binder.  I’m dreaming of laminating them all someday to keep them from getting sticky, oily, or smeared from, dare I say it, drool.  

All that loose change was driving me crazy so I repurposed this candle holder.

Note to self.  Must train husband to deposit spare change here. 

There’s just nothing better than these acid-free photo boxes for storing all those pictures !

Kid workbooks and art get stored in these fun magazine holders and art boxes from The Container Store.

We make a big production out of storing their drawings here.  Call me a mean mommy, but in the dark of night I sneak in and separate the sillier doodles from the truly charming creations.  They haven’t caught me yet.   Sssshhhh.

All of their toys and stuffed animals are kept in these colorful bins and baskets with homemade labels.  

My home office supplies are kept tidy in this highboy I refinished last year.

I whittled down the magazines to just my favorites, and store them in these baskets in my home office. 

Computer software, cords, and scrapbook supplies all are hidden in a series of these pretty and functional woven basket boxes purchased last year from The Container Store. 

I keep CDs and other small items in these fabric boxes.

I read once that organization simply requires a ‘home’ for everything.  It helps if that ‘home’ is somewhat attractive. At least for me.  

Sooooo, what’s left in my house after this mad organizational spree?  The linen closet.

   But for the sake of fantasy, let’s just pretend that my linen closet looks like this. . .

and my bathroom closet looks just like this . . . mkay ?

 Better Homes and Gardens (both images)

What’s your best kept secret for clever filing and storage ?  C’mon, spill the beans.  We all want to know.

I want to live by the words of William Morris:  “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

So I’ve decided before I start up on any more home improvement projects next year, I’m going to dedicate five days in January to achieving some sense of order at home. 

It’s ambitious.  I’m not sure if I can even accomplish it, but I’m sure going to give it a try.  

Tackle a closet, a room, or your entire house !  Won’t you join me in this grand attempt to declutter, organize, and start fresh  ?