Organize the Whole Shebang

Back to School Solutions for Mom... as seen on AMNW!

 

I LOVE back-to-school shopping when I get to pick out the supplies! I've chosen a few of my favorites to share with you... I think you'll find that if you knock out these simple projects you'll be ready for the onslaught of paperwork + the hustle bustle of September.

Back to School Supplies for Mom

• Fresh set of matching pencils...  mine are from Target.
• Tape + other tools
• Notepad
• Portfolio for each student's school paperwork
• Binder with pocket dividers for other misc. paper/forms... as shown, both are from Target.

 Your Class Schedule

• Weekly Routine Board from www.Mead.com available at Target.
• Plan some She-time... schedule massage, coffee dates for September etc... found this lil' white board in the Target $1 bin!

 Organize your Backpack... Handbag

• Clear out what you don't need
• Use a bag organizer www.bagmate.com If you're local I got mine at The Uncommon Gift.

• Keep a small notepad on you
• Pick the perfect wallet from Queen Bee Creations! I LOVE MY WALLET!!!

Back to School Night

• Preprinted Information Labels for all those school forms... created on Avery Label 8160

• Play date Calling Cards... free download found on Living Locurto !

Organizing your Fitness Life!

I've got a fabulous twitter friend...and she agreed to doing a guest post for us! Lisa Johnson knows fitness- and me not so much ;) 

Here's Lisa....

Krista always keeps us on our "organized" toes with weekly, monthly, and seasonal schedules.  One of the things to think about as you slip into new routines this Fall is to update your fitness routine, too.

Here’s a quick check list:

Have I changed my fitness routine in the past six months?
How old are my sneakers?
Does my sports bra still fit properly?
When was the last time I bought new workout clothes?
Am I happy with my gym membership?
Is there a new sport I want to try?
How do I balance fitness with my loved ones?
 
New Routine
If you’ve been running the same two-mile lap around your neighborhood for so long that there are ruts in the road, it’s time to shake things up.  You can change the intensity by adding “intervals” which means short bursts of strenuous activity.  For instance, if you normally run a 10-minute mile, try two or three bursts of speed where you run at an 8-minute pace for two minutes time.  Another change is to start increasing your overall running time; add two or three minutes per week to your workout so that in a month you've added ten minutes, and another mile, to your runs.  The extra time really won't affect your overall schedule and you’ll be burning as much as 100 extra calories per workout.
 
New Sneakers
If you haven’t replaced your sneakers in a while, it's time to treat yourself to a spiffy new pair.  Runners should change their shoes every 350 to 550 miles; same with walking shoes.  Aerobics shoes should be replaced at least once a year.  A general rule of thumb is if your normal routine is starting to cause discomfort then you should inspect your sneakers.  If they look worn, get a new pair and let them inspire you to better workouts!
 
New Bra
What's true for your feet is also true for your boobs. If your sports bra is old, the support structure is stretched, or if you’ve recently lost or gained more than ten pounds, you’re going to need a new bra.  Make sure you keep the girls fully supported.  Buy at least two bras so you can alternate between workouts, and to keep them in best shape, hang them to dry instead of popping them in the dryer.
 
New Workout Clothes
Yes, it really is okay to workout in that ratty t-shirt with who knows what stains on it.  But wouldn’t it be nicer to exercise in some chic new threads?  Workout clothes are really inexpensive these days.  Retail chains carry stylish brands and there are tons of specialty clothing stores, both in the malls and online.  Just one request: no track suits, please! Pick stylish separates that work well together and keep it simple.  When trying on new clothes, make sure they don’t bind at the shoulder or crotch and make sure when you bend over to touch the ground that everything stays covered!
 
Gym Membership
Have you gone lately?  Or is your bank account taking a needless hit every month?  Take a good hard look at that gym membership and make a decision.  Either plan two to three sessions per week at the gym or cancel the membership.  There's no sense wasting money.  Heck, a month’s fee could be better spent on a new pair of sneakers and a walking routine.  The pros for staying with the gym are that lots of variety is available, you can meet like-minded people, and have access to expert help.  The cons: if you don’t go, you’re just wasting your money (and probably feeling guilty about not going).  Think it over and decide.
 
New Sport
The next time you’re flipping through a magazine and see a new type of workout you want to try, don’t just say, "Naaaah."  Take a chance and try it out.  I felt very silly when I tried my first hula hooping class not that long ago, but I love it and it’s changed the way I feel about cardio.  (Yes, hooping is cardio!)  Maybe it’s kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, bowling, bocce, or whatever, find a local class or check out a book at the library and give it a shot.  You never know what door you’re going to open.
 
Fitness Family
When was the last time your family had fitness fun together?  Plan time during the month, as little as one day or as often as you can, to workout together.  You can stroll the neighborhood, play at the beach, hike a mountain, or go on a bike ride through the countryside.  And as the weather cools off, you can hold a family dance party in the living room.  There are so many options and you’re kids will love the time you spend together as a unit.  You’ll be creating a lifetime of memories and healthy habits for everyone.
 
So before Labor Day is past, go through your checklist and see what needs to be adjusted, added, or taken away.  I would love to hear how you have spruced up your fitness routine for the fall.
 
Thanks Krista for welcoming me to your blog!
 
Lisa Johnson
http://ModernPilatesBoston.com
http://LisaJohnsonFitness.com

Links
sneakers:
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/replaceshoes.htm
Aerobic Shoes:
http://www.aboutaerobics.com/purchaseathleticshoes.html
Walking Shoes:
http://www.thewalkingsite.com/faq.html

Jayne...

Jayne's handbag will be on Ugly Betty 2.05.09

Jayne Dearborn is a beautiful person + designs fabulous little (+big) handbags! You may recall me writing about her a year or so ago... She's a client of mine + her Before + After Studio pics are over in the left column) or just click here .

I adore Jayne and wanted to share her story with you...here is a segment that Better.tv did featuring Jayne click here .

I'm really excite for Jayne... her handbag will be on Ugly Betty 2.5.09! The nurse for Betty's dad will be sportin' it! Go girlfriend... I'm so thankful to be part of your journey.

Jayne's company is Designs by Jayne click here to visit her website!

www.Unclutterer.com on The O Myth!

 

Today on the O myth Brandie and I chatted with Erin Doland the fabulous woman behind Unclutterer.com .  Which girlfriends you SO need to read on a daily basis...

I have the Unclutterer updates delivered to my inbox and more often than not I say to myself that you (as in you the fabulous reader of my blog) need to see this. It's more of an Elaine "GET OUT" type of reaction... so instead of me telling you about it-get on it and get it in your own darn inbox!

And now back to our regular broadcasting...

Erin was so fun to chat with... I love that she believes in buying quality over quantity (uh, momma are you listening to this?!) and that a clean, uncluttered home is an essential component of a remarkable life...

Listen in (the show is recorded + ready to download) www.theOmyth.com and hear our take on

The O Myth
"Products are the Solution to Getting Organized".

We also chatted about what places inspire us to think outside of the typical plastic organizing box. I adore Camas Antiques as well the garden section of home improvement centers. Nothing like a galvanized container to get this girl going ;).

Enough already... listen in for yourself and subscribe to Unclutterer. Cheers!

p.s. Did I mention that Erin writes for the Real Simple, "Home" Blog, every Tue. and Thu.: http://simplystated.realsimple.com/home which in my world is a bit of the bomb-diggity-yes I said bomb-digity, but won't say it again.

I Crown you Queen of Totes

I worked with a great teacher that used to give all the kids nicknames.  When I became his replacement (he moved into a different position) he fondly called me "rookie"... now mind you I had already been teaching for 7 years and really didn't consider myself a rookie teacher!  He quickly and quite fondly became the "old fart" and we got along famously.  One thing I picked up from the ol fart was to 'name' people and situations. 

Recently, I worked with a wonderful woman that has now been dubbed "the women with a closet of good intentions".  She joins the ranks of the "cream of tartar" client (every year she thought she may or may not have cream of tartar for holiday baking... so she purchased one just in case),  "the bag lady" (totes galore) , "the product whore".  OK... to verify that last one... she named herself after realizing she bought way too many hair products and that the sum of the expenditure would probably total airfare to Hawaii! 

 

All of these fabulous women know their nicknames and embrace them with humor and acceptance of their organizing hang-ups. 

 

What's your organizing nickname? I dub you Queen of .......?

Supermoms... Can You Do it All?

Take a close look.  This my friends is what a Supermom looks like.  I've been dying to ask Marlynn how she does it all and does it all SO WELL.  Read her bio and you'll know why I'm all verklempt about this gal!

Marlynn Jayme Schotland is a serial mamapreneur, blogging & social media addict, and a happily imperfect mother with a very loud, happy house. She owns Mamapreneurs Inc. com, a resource, support & networking organization, as well as Urban Bliss, a design, PR and gifts studio. She is also editor of Mama Lit, a book review site for moms, and a freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they live in Portland, OR with their two young kids.

Oh and there is more... Marlynn has a post on Martha Stewart's Everyday Food blog. Check it out, I just read it am really craving some paella for lunch!http://tinyurl.com/62fawx Not too mention how cool it is you are guest posting for Martha!

See what I'm talking about?! She's human I promise and I know because I've met her and we are doing the radio show (info below) live from her new office in NW Portland so we can prove it on air and see if she makes a decent cup of joe.

Join us Friday for the O myth radio show as my co host Brandie and I get to the bottom of this.  We want to know but really NEED to know Marlynn's tricks + tips.  Join us live or download us later.  Friday 10 am PST @ www.theOmyth.com

*follow Marlynn on Twitter @designmama, @mamapreneur, and connect on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Get Linky w/Marlynn:
Biz sites: www.mamapreneursinc.com, www.urbanblissdesign.com
Blogs: www.mamalit.com, www.maternitytomadness.blogspot.com, www.urbanblissdesign.blogspot.com, http://blog.oregonlive.com/familyfriendly

Hope you can listen in
and if you have a question for Marlynn leave a comment.

Does Technology Really Make your Life Easier?

 

 

If you are a new reader a big ol' WELCOME to you, along with a quicky explanation that I have a radio show along w/ my gal Brandie Kajino.  We chat about life's O myths... Organizing myths that is!

A tad ironic that the start of the O myth today had some technological difficulties... and of course I panicked while Brandie remained calm.  So if you listen to the show, and you should, just skip the first minute or cover your ears until we get the ball rolling! Listen Here

We interviewed Wendy Piersall of www.Sparkplugging.com and www.SparkplugU.com.  Is she a Supermom?  Does technology really make her life easier?  I was a bit surprised that she considers e-mail to be the vein of her existence and yet her laptop is her fav piece of modern technology.  Remember when email was new + fun + "you've got mail" elicited a flutter of excitement? Now... not so much.

We also chatted about vintage technology.  Here is a little pic, ok big pic, of Brandie at last weeks Barn House Flea Market, w/her rotary dial find... courtesy of Queen of Tarte.  I think she should tie a lil' ribbon on it and hang it on her armoire knob.  She thought she may put a photo in it.  Hey... I have an idea, oh I'll need to tell Brandie this one... we can put our cute little O myth logo in it!  I like that idea the best of all... Brandie what do you think?

Some linky links from we promised our listeners:
www.freegeek.com where to take your old computers
www.earth911.org  where to find a place to take your old computers
www.SparkplugU.com where to take a great little class for your biz.
www.Sparkplugging.com  (formerly e moms at home) where to find work at home resources.
www.activewords.com where you can figure out how to not have to type the whole word everytime!
www.officepdx.com where you can find fabulous modern + vintage office equipment.

More on the show... checkout Brandie's post.

CONTEST INFO!

Win a cute little Internet Notebook courtesy of www.TheOrganizedParent.com!!!! 

Just leave a comment on your favorite 'vintage' piece of technology. We'll announce the winner on our next show...August 22nd w/the fab Aby Garvey! 

Ok... I'll go first: my first baby blue princess phone ;)

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"I'm afraid I might be a laundry room weirdo" Tracey Buxton Summer Guest Post Series

WARNING * WARNING *  This isn't my laundry room... I wish it were.. but w/2 kids my reality is WAY different.  But a girl can dream can't she....

This fun little post is part of my Summer Guest Series and I'm delighted to introduce you to Tracey Buxton of A Cottage Industry Blog fame... love it!   Tracey's website + blog is all about adding charm to everyday life.  I adore this quote she has on her homepage:

"Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." 

THAT sisters is a motto I want to live by.  In fact I think that should be the toast we give to one another all summer over our summer vino + cocktails.  Cheers!

So cheers to Tracey for creating a fabulous little laundry room and for her ever charming blog! 

OK. So, I have a thing for laundry rooms. There, I said it.
     In my last house, my favorite room was the giant laundry room...and I had such grand plans for the little "walk-through-on-the-way-to-the-garage-from-the-kitchen" laundry room in my sweet cottage, but now that it's on the market I've put them aside. I'm afraid they'd be too personalized... (I was going to paint the walls Robin's egg blue and put in stick-on vinyl tiles in black and white checks...)
     Last week, when my friends were over to assemble the tiny flags, one of my guests commented that they had never seen such a "staged" laundry room. Hmm...I wasn't sure if I should be offended or flattered. (Who am I kidding?! I was a wee bit offended. I tried to tell myself she was just jealous.(wink, wink!)Poor thing. Maybe her laundry room was boring and sad and pitifully neglected, and so she felt the need to attack mine...or...could it be that she thought I was... suspenseful background music here.....a laundry room weirdo?)
     I told her it wasn't staged, it was how I lived.I take the basket off the washer when I do wash (hey, it's only me and I have 2 loads of laundry, per week, on Saturdays..No big deal, right?) She looked at me like I said I had just returned from a flight to Mars with George Clooney. 

Anyway.

   It got me to wondering...am I the only person that decorates the laundry area of her home? (surely I am not!)

  

To clarify, (and to defend my sanity and sense of style) the basket of ivy and the washboard are concealing the very high-on-the-wall water knobs for the water to go to the washing machine. (They are like the ones on a bathtub- huge..and very ugly...to me, anyway) See? It serves a purpose.
    The lamp...well, it brings some black and white toile,(which is in my kitchen) along with a whole lot of ambiance into the little room, which, when lit up at night, is seen through the lacy French door in the evenings, and adds a touch of romance to my kitchen (...once again, for me, anyway.)

 

The framed quotation (oh, you know how I love good quotations...) makes me smile every Saturday, because I do find joy in laundry, in being home...in nesting.

*sigh* If that makes me a laundry room weirdo, I guess I'm OK with that.

~Tracey Buxton, A Cottage Industry

Scrapbook Organizing with "The Aby Garvey" !

 "FISH OUT OF WATER!"  Remember playing Marco Polo?  I'm the fish out of water when it comes to scrapbooking... Aby Garvey however is both the Marco and the Polo... this girlfriend's seriously got it going on! 

  

I met Aby last Spring at our NAPO conference Bloggers Meet up & just had to have my photo taken with her to prove to my neighbor I got to meet "Aby Garvey".  And well, you know me... I just mosied on up and made a new friend!  Now mind you I didn't know at the time just how cool Aby was... now I do!  

  

Not a scrapbooker?  Me neither, in fact many of you know, I fondly refer to scrapbooking as crapbooking (only because of all the "crap" you need to create one 12x12 page and I've got so little patience ;))  BUT even though the title has Scrapbook in it... the subtitles + copy are truly some great basics.  So, read on and relate because whether you scrap or just have crap ;) - Aby knows how to get it together!   don't forget to visit her site + see why i'm so smitten~

  

THANK YOU Aby for this great addition to my Summer Guest Blog Series...

  

Scrapbook Organizing: Aby’s Top Five Things to Know

  

 When you think about all the stuff that goes into creating a scrapbook—photos, adhesives, scissors, photo trimmers, cardstock, embellishments (galore!), letter stickers, the scrapbook itself, your memorabilia—the prospect of organizing for scrapbooking can seem a bit daunting. But, with just five key principles under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to orderly scrapbooking bliss.

  

 1. Know Your Motivation for Scrapbooking.

 Is it to organize your family photos? Is scrapbooking a creative outlet for you? Do you want to tell your family’s stories? When you understand your true reasons for scrapbooking, you will more easily make sense of which products to keep in your stash—those that will help you accomplish your scrapbooking goals. Without this filter in place, it’s hard to make decisions about what supplies to keep, which to let go of, and which new ones to bring into your space.

  

 2. Know Your Approach to Scrapbooking.

 How do you look for things when you’re scrapbooking? Do you look to add a little something pink, or do you think of things in terms of themes or seasons? Understanding your approach to scrapbooking, and how you look for things in the midst of creating a scrapbook page, will help you figure out the best ways to organize your supplies so you can find what you need in the heat of the scrapping moment.

  

 3. Know the Difference Between Storage and Organization.

 In a nutshell, storage is the container you put things in; organization is how you divide your things amongst your containers. Why is this important? Because you can’t solve an organization problem with storage container and you can’t solve a storage problem by re-categorizing your stuff. Understanding the difference between these two concepts, and approaching storage and organization as two separate decisions, will help you create an effective and organized scrapbook space. 

  

 4. Understand Your Storage Needs and Preferences.

 Do you need to see your scrapbook supplies to remember what you have? Do you need portable storage solutions so you can scrapbook at the kitchen table or go to classes and crops? Do you need closed containers to protect you supplies from dust (or the curious fingers of your kiddos?) Understanding your storage needs and preferences before investing in containers will save you loads of frustration (and a few dollars, too!)

  

 5. Understand the Importance of Filling Your Space with Inspiration.

 Let’s face it, when we scrapbook we’re capturing our life and memories on paper. We’re telling our family’s story…and that’s pretty inspiring stuff. Let your space remind you of the importance of what you’re doing by filling it with items that inspire you to create. Whether you scrapbook at the kitchen table or have a dedicated craft space, look for ways to bring your scrapbooking inspiration into your space. Hang photos. Display completed scrapbook pages. Or, alter storage items using your favorite scrapbook supplies.

  

 With these five key principles under your belt, you’re five steps closer to the scrapbook space of your dreams!

  

Happy organizing!

Aby

 

Aby Garvey is the co-author of The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker, and the author of The Happy Scrapper. Visit her website at www.simplify101.com for more creative organizing ideas.

Adious Mishee Mushu, Hello Feng Shui

The first time I met our guest Gwynne Warner was at last fall's Ladies Who Launch Live Event.  I was the emcee for the event and really wasn't looking forward to the Feng Shui speaker... but THEN Gwynne did her 'thang and I GOT it... for the first time I GOT feng shui.  Adious Mishee Mushu HELLO feng shui!!!

Gwynne made me realize that I already practice feng shui.  I'm just more "me" about it and have my own girly/western way of spreading it's ideals.

Take a LISTEN HERE and see what today's Blog Talk Radio Show was all about.  Below are my favorite points that Gwynne made.

Feng Shui means Wind + Water... it's used to find good burial places for our ancestors. 
hmmm that's why it felt sooo good to get the placemats and dresser out of my house- they were first marriage items and I AM SO far gone from that era-circa early '90's.

Do a little Feng Shui TODAY:
1. Make a list of things both mental and physical that are sucking out your life force.
2. What's dragging you down?
3. Now schedule time to take care of those things.

Check out Gwynne's blog and if you're feelin' the feng shui bug sign up for her newsletter!

OH.... The Contest Winners are.......

NOW IS THE NEW LATER!    Congrats to Karen.  She is the WINNER of the $50 Photoworks coupon.  Check out her comment- You had me at chocolate. :)

the O myth tip/topic
Mary... you are the winner of the whoMi wall calendar!  Thanks for you tip grocery shopping money/time saving tip- you inspired a fabulous segment idea!!!

Brandie's adding her own take on today's show and you can find the book info on her post as well.  Check it out.