Organize the Whole Shebang

On the Radio... ohoh on the Radio!

My gal  Brandie+ I have been cookin' up a little radio show. The idea of it was a little scary and fun all wrapped into one big "oh my gosh how do we do this?".  So I had a little chat with myself and said "Why not, you can figure this thing out.  And if you can't Brandie can - she's techy".  So VOILA here we are announcing our new show and hitting the airwaves... and only because I'm adventurous and Brandie REALLY IS TECHY-whew!  We're calling it The O-Myth and no it's not sexual.

Ok, so you're not sure what this BTR thing is... well it's quite nifty actually- formally it's called Blog Talk Radio- you may have heard of it, or not... but basically you can listen to us while you are tapping away on your keyboard.  We'll be on 2x a month on Friday mornings.  If you miss it live you can just play it later- now that's nifty. 

CLICK HERE For a little sneak peak + we'll tell you what's is all about!  Keep in mind we're a little zany + slightly dorky and always off-the-cuff.  We've lined up some fabulous experts to help us debate + debunk some of life's organizing myths.  We'll also toss out tips and throw some prizes now and then!

The O-Myth- Here's the link to the Site to learn more about the show and soon to listen to the show!

To hear our 'out-takes'...  CLICK HERE + HERE

 

 

 

Stop and Smell the Roses

I am constantly reminding myself to STOP and smell the roses... not in the literal sense as I really DO stop and smell the roses, the lilacs, the jasmine, but look at this photo- my precious daughter sporting a new vintage hat I just had to have.  Those roses.  Those are the roses I am constantly reminding myself to stop and listen, really listen.

We are in the homestretch, school will be out in less than a month... kindergarten will be over.  I LOVED kindergarten, loved my teacher and have told the horror stories of peeing my pants and puking all over my best friend many a time.  Back to stopping- can you see where I just might struggle with really stopping + listening?

When I'm bored watching them play at the park: I need to stop and remind myself that soon they won't even want to play at the park, catch tadpoles or have underdogs on the swing.

When I'm hyper-focused on the computer screen:  I need to stop and remind myself that they just want my time, they just want me near them.

When I'm on the phone and they can't seem to go far enough away:  I need to remind myself that soon I'll be eaves dropping on their conversations.

Spring Cleaning- Part 5

Last post in a 5-part series about Spring Organizing~

 

Clothing...

 

Your clothes closet is a hot bed of emotional decisions!  Most closets are full of wishful thinking and museum pieces. You’ll have more decisions to make and more categories to consider, but by now you’re seasoned at sorting and purging and can handle the task at hand! 

 

Add sign categories: Alter/Repair, Try on, and Return. 

 

The first closet run through should be easy, the second run through a bit tougher.  If you have a large number of “need to decide” items take the time to try them on again or place the hangers going in the opposite direction of the others.  This will remind you later which items you truly don’t gravitate toward hence making the donate decision a whole lot easier. 

 

Just remember the 80/20 rule.  You wear 20% of your clothing 80% of them time.

 

related posts: http://organizeinstyle.typepad.com/organize_in_style/2008/05/style-savvy.html

Spring Organizing- Part 4

This is Part 4 in a series about Spring Organizing!

The Linen Closet

Just how many sets of towels or sheets does a family need?  Share the overflow with local shelters.  I know the Community Warehouse is always in need of these items. 

I suggest 2 sets of sheets per bed, possibly a third set if you change out to flannel for the winter.  Are you really using all those blankets or have you added a few over the years?  Now’s the time to answer those questions and give yourself some much needed space.

*Enter to win these fabulous micro cotton towels!  See the contest post: http://organizeinstyle.typepad.com/organize_in_style/2008/04/linen-closet-ma.html

So... how many sets did you release from your linen closet?!

Spring Cleaning- Part 3

This is Part 3 in a series about Spring Organizing!

 

Where to Start

Now that you in an organizing mindset it’s time to get down and dirty!  Start in an area that won’t test your emotional attachments then work your way up.  I recommend starting with the kitchen pantry and finishing with your clothes closet. 

The Pantry and Kitchen Cupboards

There are only 3 choices to be made when sorting and purging a pantry. 

1. Keep

2. Toss

3. Donate. 

 

Toss any and all items that are stale or expired.  Donate any food items that you won’t prepare prior to their expiration date or no longer prepare.  You may feel a bit sick to your stomach when you see how many items you’ve paid for and never quite got to before they expired. (the average family tosses 14% of their groceries a year... that's $600 if you are average!) Remember a full cupboard doesn’t equate to meals, it’s just a full cupboard!

When it comes to kitchen cupboards you’ll need to add another category to your decision-making; Need to Decide.  It’s okay to put off making a decision when you first look at an item.  The key is to come back to the item later and decide its fate!  You may find yourself attached to the cute-corn-on-the-cob dishes (I did!) then come to realization that they are a “fun” piece that haven’t been used once during the last 3 summers and you probably won’t bust them out this year either.   It’s also time to donate or box up the collection of shot glasses you’ve had since college.  Let them go and enjoy the empty space they create- it’s time!

 

Next Post: The Linen Closet

Spring Organizing- Part 2

The Shoulda Could Wouldas
Part 2 in a series of Spring Organizing

Lose your emotional attachment and any guilt you may be feeling.  I refer to these as shoulda, coulda, woulda’s.

1. SHOULDA Shoulda’s are the pressure you feel when you think you need to do something --
an OBLIGATION that causes you unnecessary guilt and anxiety.

2. COULDA Coulda’s are made up of all those POSSIBILITIES that hang in front of your face like a cloud of flies -- the million and one projects that you could do if you had unlimited time.

3. WOULDA Woulda’s are the times you say, "I would USE this if…". Many homes are cluttered with objects that you are saving for when you redecorate, or when you lose weight, or when the kids are grown -- some other life that you don’t currently lead.

next post- part 3 getting started

Spring Organizing- Part 1

My recent article in The Columbian's Home & Garden section gives you some guidance and inspiration to tackle some of those tedious spring projects.   This week I'll be sharing the article with you in small chunks so as not to overwhelm you with  ideas!  For you overachievers the complete article is available via this link: Download 0508_inspire_organize_article.pdf

Spring-cleaning is one thing, but doing some spring organizing is another.  Organizing will really whip your home into shape!  All organizing projects begin with the sorting and purging of unwanted, unused, or unloved items.  Typically this is the step that takes the longest to conquer however can be the most fulfilling.  You’ll discover your past, some mistakes and have a few “Oh there it is” moments!  To most people the first step is overwhelming, however armed with a plan and some inspiration you’ll be good to go. 

Give yourself some guidelines

First determine where your cast-offs will go.  Consider a local charity, think twice about a yard sale, and look into your consignment options.  Craigslist and Ebay are great options as well.  If you don’t want to tackle the resale project yourself, you may consider offering your teenager a cut of the sales price for handling the sale.

Before you dive in, ask yourself some questions.  I use these questions with my clients to put things into perspective.

q  Does this add value to my life? 

q  When was the last time I used it? (set a guideline for yourself)

q  Would I buy this item if I were shopping today? 

q  What is this item costing me in storage fees?

q  Do I have duplicates of this item?

q  Does it need to be repaired? Is it worth repairing?

q  Oh for crying out loud, why am I so attached to an object and spending such valuable time worrying about it!

Next Post: Losing the Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda's.

My 2 Style Secrets + Style Challenge

I love running into my neighbor Val... . She always has a kind word to say about my appearance and gosh darnit it feels fabulous to have someone compliment you. Especially when you've got a little extra-extra going on (if you know what I mean;))....

My 2 style secrets are.... a little drum roll please....

Lily Atelier and Lucy.  Ta Dah....  you'll have to check out Lucy and if you live anywhere within the Portland Metro you'll have to swing into Lily Atelier.  She's old school and doesn't have a website!  Info later in post as she's having a sale next week!!!!

The ladies at Lily's are honest.  They know when you can kick it up a notch and they know when a cut isn't right for you.   Most importantly they know when it IS RIGHT for your bod.  And that is PRICELESS for a girl like me.  I love that the owner, Dawn, is the buyer.  She knows quality and she KNOWS cut.  My jackets from Lily's all dart and tucker where I need them too.  My jeans flare a tad to compensate for my junky trunk et tal. 

I challenge you to toss | donate | ditch at least 5 items that NEED to go.  Replace them with 1-2 fabulous pieces that fit, flatter and feel fabulous on YOU.

I also challenge you to find that 'LILY' that can give you some honest style advice....

Leave a comment with what you tossed... and what's on your shopping list! 

Here's the LILY info I promised you....
Spring Cleaning Clearance SALE at LILY ATELIER
25-75% off select items tuesday 20- sunday 25th
237 ne 4th avenue. camas. washington. 360 834.9215 open 7 days

Postal Procrastination

Why oh why do I put off such a simple task?  I finally mailed my sister-in-laws their Mother's Day gifts.  Yes they were mailed after the fact.  Now mind you I've had them since last month, early last month, as I showed them in my AMNW segment on Mother's Day gifts.  see that post here  Hmm... think I should I listen to my own advice?!

Really, why do I do this.  It isn't the first time, in fact it's just one of many times I've avoided going to the post office.  AND LOOK HOW CUTE our Post Office is?!  Typically there is no line.  The Post Master even went to my H.S. albeit about 10 years or so before me but none the less he's a home town boy from Tustin, California and I enjoy seeing him.  Did I mention it's not even out of the way as my office is around the block!

Do you do anything like this?  Please tell me I'm not alone....

My Mother's Day!

Just wanted to share these beautiful photos from Mother's Day last weekend!  These are from the Hilda Klager Lilac Garden in Woodland, Washington.  I'll fill you in soon on the details...

I did have a few epiphanies about how to make Mother's Day '09 quite the event... of course it all began with a little self talk about lowering my expectations because I was feeling quite entitled to PERFECTION and well, my family (self included) isn't always perfect ;)