April 26, 2021

The Organizers Mothers Day Gift Guide

It’s been a while since my last blog post so I’m excited to be back and share some of my favorite gift ideas for Mothers Day. These are all items I own and love and maybe your mom will too!

T3 Hot Rollers – These are a great gift for Mom especially now that Hot Rollers have made a big comeback this year. She will love how easy they are to use and how much curl she will get without the damage that comes from some styling tools. If she needs a tutorial on how to use them check out my YouTube video on how I style my hair with Hot Rollers.

The Container Store Gift Card – If your Mom loves to be organized this is the perfect gift. This one gift card covers every room in the house and she can order online and have items shipped if she doesn’t live near a Container Store.

iDesign/Sarah Tanno Cosmetic Organizer – I recently spoke about these on Instagram and if your Mom loves makeup these are the best makeup organizers. They were created in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Sarah Tanno so the products are amazing. They are exclusively sold on Amazon so you don’t have to worry about it arriving on time!

Black + Decker Dustbuster – I had a client who owned this handheld vacuum and she had me try it and I was hooked. I loved it so much I went home and ordered my own! I keep it on the counter so I can grab it for quick cleanups, cleaning out my car, and pet hair from our new puppy. This is a gift she will love!

P-touch Cube Plus Label Maker – Label makers are not just for organizers. This label maker is a favorite because it is so easy to use. There are different tape sizes, colors, and font options and it’s Bluetooth which makes it easy to take from room to room. Once mom owns this she will wonder how she managed without it.

Cordless Wine Opener – This is a great gift if your mom loves wine. This opener is cordless and simple to use with the press of a button. The design is modern and sleek so it looks good sitting on a counter.

Kitsch Hair Drying Scrunchie – I bought these with the thought I would be returning them because my hair is so thick it’s hard to find items to hold it. I was wrong! These not only hold my hair but are made of microfiber material that absorbs water so they are great when your hair is wet. Moms love scrunchies so she will love this new updated version!

Theragun Mini – This is another item I have been using a lot since I gave it to my husband for Christmas LOL. He is always asking me “where is my Theragun?” If your mom works on a computer all day, is an athlete or just needs self-care at the end of the day this is the best gift. It is also portable so she can bring it with her when she travels.

Little Words Project Bracelets – My daughter gave me, her grandmother, and her sister these bracelets, and each one had a different words of inspiration. Mine says Have Hope and during this past year, it has been something I wear often and cherish. You can customize your bracelet or choose from many different inspirational words. Get one or more if you want to stack them. It’s an affordable gift from a female-owned company with an inspirational message for all women.

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum – This anti-aging antioxidant is a recent find that I love! If your Mom suffers from Maskne or sun damage this new product from SkinCeuticals is a serious game-changer. It has so many good things wrapped up in one bottle. It is pricey but it has replaced multiple products I use to use and simplified my skincare routine.

Tom Ford Sunglasses – These were a great find at Nordstrom Rack. I’m a big fan of Tom Ford and when I saw these sunglasses discounted I had to hit the add to cart button. If your mom needs a new pair of sunglasses these are a great gift.

Studio 54 Book – Did your mom grow up in the seventies? If she did she will love this coffee table book. It tells the story of the legendary disco Studio 54 by the original co-owner Ian Schrager. The pictures and stories bring you back to a place that defined an era of dancing, celebrities, and glam.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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January 7, 2021

7 Tips to Help You Get Organized And Stay Organized in 2021

The new year has always been a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. I think with everything we have endured these past few months it’s not just the start of a new year but hopefully the year we return to normalcy.

We have been spending more time in our homes which has made it hard to ignore overflowing closets, kitchens filled with items that are never used, and garages bulging at the seams. As an organizer, the one good thing that has come from the past few months is people are clearing the clutter and reclaiming their homes. With so many working from home, it has forced us to rethink our spaces and create multifunctional work areas. We have also been stocking up on items but realizing we have no place to store them. I think during the coming year it is going to continue to be important to work on making your home a place that is simple, enjoyable, and most of all peaceful. If you have already taken the steps to get organized or if you are ready to start the process this blog is for you! These tips will help get you organized and keep you organized.

MAKE LISTS

I like keeping everyday lists of items I need to purchase, appointments I need to make, blog ideas, and any other important tasks that need to be accomplished. I use a notebook and the notes app on my phone. It doesn’t matter which one you use as long as it keeps you organized.

PURGE REGULARLY

I always suggest purging before organizing any area in the home. Letting go of the items that you no longer need, use, or want will not only free up space but will help you stay organized and avoid clutter. Start with a small area and once you start to see results it will motivate you to move to another area in your home.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

Homes that are lived in usually don’t look like photos in a magazine. Organize your home for how you and your family live daily life. Keep it functional, comfortable, and most importantly simple. The key to an organized home is to purge regularly, sort like items, and then contain what you are keeping. It really is that easy. It may be time-consuming setting up a system but once you are in a routine you will reap the benefits in your daily life.

BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED

A hard concept for many but it really is the key to keeping your home clutter-free. Sales can be tempting, online shopping has become the norm and big box stores are enticing. You have to retrain your brain and only shop for products that you need to replenish. Less stuff means less stress. Make lists and stick to them when shopping for household items.

CONTAIN LIKE ITEMS

Go through your house and corral all like items together. The reason this step is so important it prevents over buying items you already own. Group the like items in categories such as batteries, lightbulbs, first aid, gift wrap, office, etc.
Once you have sorted it’s time to find the containers that will work for your space. Measure and then decide if you want clear containers, baskets, or bins. There is no right or wrong way just what fits your budget, space, and lifestyle.

LABEL CONTAINERS

Save time and money by labeling your containers. If you forget what is in a container you will buy more of the same item and then say those famous words “I was looking for that!”. Label makers are inexpensive and once you own one you will wonder how you lived without it!

IF YOU TAKE IT OUT…PUT IT BACK

Training yourself to put something back after you take it out is one of the most important ways to ensure you stay organized. Purging, containing, and having a place for everything is great but if you take something out and don’t put it back clutter will begin to return.

Being organized alleviates everyday frustrations, saves you time, money, and makes your home a place that you cannot wait to come home to at the end of the day. Make 2021 the year you reclaim your space! Happy New Year!

 

 

 

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April 21, 2020

The Organizers Quarantine Essentials

Hi everyone I hope you are all staying healthy. Today I want to share some items that I have been using and loving while in quarantine. This has been a new normal in many ways for me and one big change has been our daughters moving back in with us during this time of uncertainty. As a parent, this has been such a big relief to have them under our roof safe and protected. On the other hand, our nest has been empty for quite a few years so it has been an adjustment for all of us but we are getting used to it. We also started a major home renovation at the beginning of February and have not been living in our home so when they say life can throw you curve balls they definitely are not kidding.

Like, everyone, we have been enjoying a lot of family time and I have to be honest although it’s a parents job to raise your children to be on their own with their own lives I think every Mom secretly wishes they could go back in time and appreciate the younger years because time goes so fast and you don’t realize it until your older. In my wildest dreams, I would have never imagined there would be a time when my children would move back in with us and spend every meal, every evening and every day for over a month without leaving the house. Impossible right? I know it won’t last so I have been savoring the meals, the laughter, the games, the music, and the talks. It has been so surreal and if anything good has come from this crisis it is the ability to get something back that you thought was impossible. I am sure there are a lot of you parents of adult children who can relate to this new unexpected normal.

Now that there are four of us working from home these have been a few items that have made it easier for me to stay organized and in a routine which I think is so important during times of stress and uncertainty.

AirPod Case This case has been a lifesaver with all of us using headphones in the same house. I know which case is mine and I can easily find them when I need them. They are inexpensive and come in many colors.

Elfa File Cart I have mentioned this file cart previously but I cannot tell you how essential this has been to keep my files and office supplies organized while living in a temporary space. It has wheels so I can it take from room to room and when I’m not using it I can store it in a closet. Perfect for small spaces.

iPad Pro Smart Keyboard I originally bought this smart keyboard for when I travel but lately I have been using my iPad as a second computer. It’s lightweight and has an attached cover to protect the screen so I can carry it with me.

Calm Cards for Serenity I originally brought these to our rental because I thought I would need some calm inspiration to get me through the renovation. Now with everything going on it has become a daily routine to pick a card and discuss it. We could all use some calm and serenity right about now.

I love to cook but as an empty nester, we have been used to either an easy meal at home, take out or eating out. Now that we are quarantined together as a family I have been cooking more in the past few weeks than I have in years! I have to say I have really enjoyed family mealtime again and having more than two people to cook for. These are a few favorites I’m loving in the kitchen!

Green Pans I absolutely love these pans! They are non-stick which means easy to clean, scratch-resistant and 100% non-toxic. I bought one pan and now I own a whole set!

iDesign Containers As an organizer you knew I would have to talk about a favorite to get you organized. These containers have kept the pantry in our rental organized which has been so important now that I’m grocery shopping for four. I use these all the time with clients but they are are a must-have in my own home. They come in different sizes to fit any pantry or bath space and they are on sale!

ECOS Fruit and Veggie Wash I have always washed my fruits and vegetables but recently I started using this and it takes washing to another level. Easy to use, no fragrance and rinses off with no residue or taste left behind.

White Colander Speaking of washing this is the perfect size colander to clean fruits and vegetables. Another plus looks great sitting on the counter waiting to be used multiple times a day. It’s dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe too!

Like many of you, I have been enjoying a very low key skincare, makeup, and wardrobe in the past few weeks. These have been a few favorites some new and some oldie but goodies.

Pimple Patch I keep these on hand anyway but when you have a house full of women these have come in very handy and they work!

T3 Hot Rollers If you are new to my blog you can go here and watch my YouTube video on how I style my hair and why I love these rollers so much. These have been a lifesaver now that salons are closed. I wash my hair use leave-in conditioner and put my hair in a bun overnight. In the morning I put the hot rollers in for 15 minutes and when I take them out I flip my head over, run my fingers through it, flip it back and I have full soft curls.

Kerastase Hair Mask When you have hair as thick and coarse as mine you experiment with ways to tame the frizz. I have actually been using this mask as a leave-in and love it! It has been hot and humid and this helps way my hair down and adds moisture. I just use it on the ends so my hair does not get greasy.

Nail Hardener I removed my dip nails when I saw the direction this health crisis was taking and I always go back to this product to get my natural nails strong and healthy. It really works in just a few days if you follow the directions. My daughter has been using it too and said Mom this really works!

Tom Ford Foundation Stick Like many of you I have not been wearing any makeup which has been a nice break and my skin has been so happy. If I have a video conference meeting or I’m making videos this is my new favorite foundation. It is a stick which makes applying it so easy and it covers so well I can use it as a concealer too! I apply it with a brush and the finish is amazing and the color is perfect.

Athleta Pants I love Athleta for work, travel and to lounge around the house. These have been a new favorite because of the wide leg and comfy waistband. You can dress them up a bit or just wear flip flops and a t-shirt.

Portable Speaker This was a gift from a friend and I brought it to our rental and little did I know this would provide hours of family entertainment. We have enjoyed playing music at mealtime and a competitive after-dinner game of name that tune. It is Bluetooth, easy to use and the sound is incredible!

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