Home Organization TipsHome Organization TipsThe Organizing Challenges of Daily Life, plus organizing tips, home organization, household management Articles
why patio tables with fire pits built in rock my patio
2011-04-07 09:41:00 Now that we can talk about patio furniture again without getting the crazy eye, there is a new addition that I’ve got to introduce you to. They’re called cast aluminum patio furniture fire pits, and I think you’re going to love them. These patio tables have their fire pits built into the design of the ... More About: Tables , Rock , Fire
does a smaller home mean saying goodbye to patio furniture?
2011-03-27 12:32:00 I recently visited my friends who had moved into a new apartment complex. I will admit, part of me was curious to see their new place, and part of me just enjoys their company. But a big ole’ part of me was going because they mentioned that they had some really nice patio furniture that ... More About: Furniture , Home
Organic Baby Products, Because You Love Your Little One
2011-03-23 09:23:00 The world is full of the latest scandal or trend that is quickly evolving into a newer, better point of view. I’m all for progressivism, technology and enlightenment. What I have a problem with is half-brained fads based on little research or worse. These are the ones that you find transitioning into the exact opposite ... More About: Baby , Products , Love , Organic
Patio Furniture season is just around the corner. Are you ready?
2011-03-10 19:03:00 I don’t know about you, but I am just itching to get spring into full swing. After thawing out from this brutal winter, I’m more than ready to turn my sights towards brighter, sunnier futures. Whether it’s airing out the pool gear or my favorite pastime, spring cleaning (hey, you have your hobbies, I have ... More About: Furniture , Season , Corner
baby cribs ? things every parent ought to know
2011-02-27 11:38:00 When that new bundle of joy arrives, it can be pretty overwhelming. Between the physical and emotional roller coasters that your mind and body are going through and all the planning, rearranging and changing that has been and will be going on, new parents often find it hard to know just where to start. Getting ... More About: Baby , Things
Why I?d Opt for Kitchen Organizers Over Manicures Any Day
2011-02-20 14:25:00 I know we’ve talked about this before, but there are some areas in our lives that can never receive too much attention. Some people enjoy getting weekly manicures, others need their weekly movie. In my book, the polish will be off a few minutes after I get home and I’d rather curl up on my ... More About: Kitchen
beauty achieved through bedroom accessories
2010-12-29 19:53:00 While function is primary, of course, it is important that your home furnishings offer some aesthetic appeal as well. We all crave beauty, whether it is to be a thing of beauty or to view and experience it. The nicest thing about well-made decorative furniture is that these items can literally be works of art, ... More About: Beauty , Accessories , Bedroom
Liberty Cabinet Hardware Hype
2010-12-11 20:00:00 One of my favorite things to do on this blog (aside from talk about my adorable kids and give advice to anyone who will listen) is to help you find great deals and steals from super low prices to surprise benefits and more. In the following guest post, we’ll discover a gem of a company. ... More About: Hardware , Kitchen , Liberty , Hype
We?re Guest Blogging!
2010-11-24 18:56:00 Your favorite blogger has made a guest appearance on another blog site. Here is a snippet: “Cabinet hardware can give you the ability to update your home without spending a fortune. From cabinet knobs and pulls to decorative hinges and beyond, the selection of cabinet hardware is so versatile it offers you both service and ... More About: Blogging , Home Improvement
are they getting bigger or are kitchen tables getting smaller? Kitchen work
2010-11-11 09:29:00 While I was maneuvering a hot pan of lasagna through the air, one child occupying the table with homework and another one circling my torso while the third one chased him because he said that there IS someone bigger and stronger than Daddy, it occurred to me that our family might be outgrowing our kitchen. ... More About: Kitchen , Tables , Work
The True Art of Kitchen Carts
2008-01-10 08:48:00 I enjoy working in my kitchen. Really. I love turning on the radio or listening to my iTunes as I dance around the kitchen and whip up a healthy meal or a cake that will make my kitchen smell heavenly. But it wasn’t always that way. Only a few short months ago, when I lived in a cramped apartment, I cringed every time I entered my kitchen because I didn’t have enough space to do the things that I needed or wanted to do in the way that I like to do them. And there was no need to dance my way across the kitchen, because the other side was only a half-pirouette away. Although I enjoyed the open center of my former kitchen, I would have enjoyed additional counter and storage space even more. I would have really loved to introduce one of the fabulous kitchen carts that I’ve seen sprouting up all over. Too bad we were only renting. Kitchen carts are a great way to add counter and storage space to your kitchen without undertaking the time and expense of an entire kitchen reno... More About: True
Recycling Bins- a Certain SORT of Pleasure
2008-01-03 08:50:00 I love recycling. I sleep better at night with the knowledge that my family is doing its part to preserve the environment, to care for wildlife and to create a cleaner earth for our children and grandchildren. We seldom use paper goods, we always use scrap paper when we have it, and we send our cereal boxes and old toilet paper rolls to the kids’ schools to be used for art projects. Yet every once in a while, especially after a long and tiring day, I begin to wonder if all my efforts to save the Earth are really necessary. When I’m particularly exhausted, I think it’s enough for me to keep my house clean (somewhat), my kids fed (usually), and my laundry folded. To start sorting my garbage sometimes feels like too much at the end of a long day. There must be a way to make recycling easier, to sort out what needs to go to school, what needs to go to the bottle recycling center, and what papers and tins get picked up in front of our house. Aha! Perhaps there is this magic... More About: Recycling , Sort , Pleasure , Cert
5 Affordable Kitchen Organizing Products for under $50
2007-12-27 09:00:00 If I had all the money in the world, I’d probably have the most amazingly organized kitchen, filled with newfangled and ingenious organizing products that were designed to make my life simpler. Actually, if I had all the money in the world, I’d probably have a maid who could keep my house organized for me. But in the absence of millions, I find comfort in the fact that there are affordable kitchen organizing products out there that can make a big difference in the kitchen, but not in your bank account. Here are a few of my favorite (and most affordable) kitchen organizing products that can truly transform the look and feel of your kitchen. 1- Tip Out Trays- Tip out trays are a great way to keep your sponges out of way which will instantly make your sink area cleaner. They are easy to install and can be found for under $25, making them an inexpensive way to keep your kitchen tidy. 2- Soap Dispensers- Along the same lines, soap dispensers that can be mounted directly in your... More About: Products , Kitchen , Organ
How to Create a Budget
2007-12-23 10:05:00 Learning how to create a budget is the first step towards fiscal responsibility. Whether you’re saving for your child’s braces, the trip you’ve always wanted to take or a piece of jewelry, knowing how much money you have- and how much you need to live- is critical. I recently took a finance course designed for women to develop the financial know-how necessary to manage their finances responsibly. Creating a budget was the first topic of the course, and I’d like to share this lesson with you- no payment necessary. The purpose of a budget is to make sure that your expenses are below your income. In this way, you will have enough money for your daily, weekly and monthly needs and hopefully enough left to save a bit in case of an emergency. When you create a budget, the first step is to list all of your expenses by name and $ amount, ideally in a sheet with two side-by side columns. Here is a list of some standard household expenses: HOUSING & UTILITIES Mortgage... More About: Budget , Create
Productive Cooking with Cooking Games for Kids
2007-12-14 11:33:00 Last week, I was looking through a cookbook, trying, yet again, to figure out what to feed my family, when my daughter came to sit next to me. Since my children are quite young, I haven’t yet set out to teach them to cook and I haven’t really involved them in the kitchen process. I was, therefore, surprised to see how interested the older two were in the recipes, the pictures and the food. It made me start to think about involving them more in the cooking process so that I can be more productive while the girls are awake. Here are some of the cooking games for kids that I discovered on my own, and some that I learned from my neighbors who have older kids. Cooking Games for Kids are Great for Math – I truly hadn’t considered this idea until one of my friends pointed it out. She uses cooking games in order to help her children to see a real world application of math. If they need half a cup of sugar and two-thirds of a cup of oil, how much would that be together? The...
Holiday Travel Tips- Staying Sane on the Way
2007-12-06 10:14:00 It’s so nice to travel during the holidays- your children are off from school, you have a few free days off from work and everyone seems to be spreading the holiday cheer. That is, until, you get to the airport and find that everyone’s children are off from school, it’s quieter at the office and there is little holiday cheer among weary travelers. Oh, right- and the weather delays have made everything late, cancelled or just plain hectic. OK, it might not really be as bad as I’m making it sound, but unfortunately, it can be. Keeping in mind these holiday travel tips can help make your holiday travel happy instead of hellish. 1- Stay Calm. No matter what happens, remember that it’s your vacation, and try not to let anything interfere with your adventure. Plane delayed? No problem! Enjoy your stroll around the airport by looking in the shops, buying a good snack, or talking to the person next to you. If you have your kids, create fun games in the airport- word games... More About: Travel , Holiday , Travel Tips , Tips
Teacher Themed Gift Ideas- Home Organization Tips
2007-11-29 08:13:00 It’s the season of giving again, and your children have already told you exactly what’s on their list this year. At first you might grumble and groan, but then you realize that knowing what to get someone is so much easier than having to figure it out. And while it may be a challenge to get presents for the family members that you know and love, it’s even more difficult/frightening/frustrating to choose a gift for your child’s teacher (or your own). For this reason, I’ve compiled a list of teacher themed gift ideas that will hopefully make your holiday shopping a bit less stressful- and the teacher’s life a bit happier. 1- Bath & Body Products Many female teachers love receiving gifts that will pamper them a bit. After a long day on their feet, who wouldn’t love a nice, fragrant foot rub (or even better- a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure)? This personalized gift idea tells the teacher that you appreciate her devotion and effort, and that you want ... More About: Ideas , Gift Ideas , Organization , Tips , Home
A Good Method to Organize Computer Files
2007-11-22 10:58:00 Yesterday I got a new laptop, and had to start figuring out how I was going to transfer four years of work, music and images from one computer to the other. Luckily for me, my next door neighbor is a computer guy and he was able to help. Even luckier for me was that I had a good method to organize computer files. With a few clicks of the mouse, my files transferred (almost) seamlessly and I am now sitting in front of my larger screen and faster machine. Although I found it a bit tricky to transfer from Microsoft Windows XP to Windows Vista (which I’m sure will take me quite some time to figure out), I think the rest of the transfer went pretty smoothly. And so, I am now qualified to extol the virtues of keeping organized computer files, and I’d like to share with you how easily it can be done. The first thing to do when organizing computer files is to scan through them and delete things that you don’t need. Although these files aren’t wasting that much space in your co... More About: Organize , Computer , Good , Files , Method
Thanksgiving Menus Your Guests Will Be Thankful For
2007-11-15 10:22:00 I can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving already. I know I say that every year, but really, it’s true. And of course, Thanksgiving means it’s six weeks until Christmas, and Christmas means that it’s nearly the new year…where did the time fly? But enough rumination for now- it’s time to get to work on my Thanksgiving menu so that I can make sure I have what I need and can prepare in advance to avoid stress (if that’s even possible at this time of year- I posit that with the proper planning, even the hostess can enjoy the holiday season). If you’re looking for unique Thanksgiving menu ideas this year, you’ve come to the right place. I am delighted to present you with some tasty Thanksgiving menu ideas that will present beautifully and taste even better. I know it’s customary to start the menu with the appetizer or hors d’ouvers, but for a change of pace, I think I’ll start with dessert. One Thanksgiving I had the most amazing dessert at my aunt’s house. It ... More About: Guests , Hank
Is there Such A Thing as The Best Way to Clean Windows?
2007-11-08 09:40:00 There’s no denying that fall is here. It gets darker earlier, the sky is a bit cloudier, the weather is getting cooler…and the fashions are changing from light colors to darker shades. You blame your dark house on the change in season, but let’s be real- the true reason that everything looks darker these days is because you haven’t cleaned your windows. Fortunately, it’s easy to remedy this problem, and bring a bit more light into your home, by following these easy steps to cleaner windows. Is it the best way to clean windows? You tell me! Step 1- Find the perfect window cleaning solution. Purchase window cleaning spray in any grocery store or make your own by mixing ½ cup of rubbing alcohol, ¼ teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 2 tablespoons of vinegar (or ammonia). No matter what solution you use to clean the windows, make sure that it doesn’t have too much soap which can leave streaks and film on the windows. Step 2- Use a sponge or wet rag to wet the window. Make... More About: Windows , Clean , Thing
To Hire or Not to Hire (a Cleaning Service)- That is the Question
2007-10-28 14:54:00 I’m tired. It’s the end of a long workday and there are dirty dishes piled high in the sink and toys littering the floor. There are stale Cheerios on the floor as well, left there by a well-intentioned baby who is still learning how to feed herself and there is enough dirty clothing in the hamper to clothe a small nation. I sigh, roll up my sleeves to load the dishwasher, and once again contemplate hiring a cleaning service, a cleaning lady or a housekeeper to fulfill these dreaded chores. I would classify my house as having a ‘lived-in’ look, rather than a hideously messy one. Nevertheless, there is no question that like most women, I’d love for my house to look a bit better. Hence, my desire for cleaning help. My dilemma is three-fold: 1- Cleaning services, housekeepers and cleaning ladies are expensive 2- The kids will likely just mess up the house within a few hours of the cleaning 3- I’m somewhat picky about the level of cleanliness in my house As you can pro... More About: Hire , Question , Service
How to Train an Organized Student
2007-10-21 17:05:00 One of the best ways to maintain an organized home is to make sure that the people who live in your home are organized. This includes not only you, the parent, but also your children. Teaching your children how to be organized when approaching their own lives will help them keep the house organized as well. And a great way to teach your child how to become an organized person is to start by training your child to become an organized student. One of the things required for every organized student (and their parents!) is patience. Explain to your child that becoming organized is a skill that must be learned, and that it does not happen overnight. More importantly, explain to your child that he should not give up on the organization process, as this will simply lead to more chaos. Rather, approach the organization process with patience and the knowledge that with perseverance, good things will come. A planner is another critical thing that is required for every organized studen... More About: Student , Train , TRAI , Organ
Organizing Photos Without Fear
2007-10-14 11:51:00 After this summer’s family trip, I am swimming in photos. Not to mention the fact that I haven’t ordered photos in a really long time, so I’ve got a stack of pictures from before the trip as well. Fortunately, there are several ways to approach organizing photos as a manageable task instead of a nightmare. With these tips for organizing your photos, I hope you’ll be able to create a wonderful book (or books) of memories that you can treasure for a lifetime. 1- Get them dated and labeled. Have you ever looked at a baby picture and wondered not only who this baby is but how old is this baby? I, for one, have no ability to guess a baby’s age. If my pictures weren’t clearly labeled, I wouldn’t ever know how old my kids were in each photo. Fortunately, with the advent of the digital camera, I’ve found that it’s so easy to get your photos printed with dates- and labels- so that there is no more messy and time consuming scribbling on the back of photos. Many onl... More About: Photos , Fear , Organ
Crisis Management 101
2007-10-11 08:51:00 Has it ever happened that something unexpected happens, and you aren’t prepared? Your babysitter cancels 10 minutes before you planned on leaving, your car breaks down on the way to an important meeting, your child is sick on the day of your big presentation at work? I can’t even count the number of times this has happened to me. But it’s part of life, I suppose. Although it’s impossible to plan for these situations, there are things we can do to stay organized at all times, to plan for a time when crisis management will be necessary. In this crisis management 101, you will learn some organization tips and tricks that will help keep you levelheaded when the unexpected happens. If you have others, I’d love to hear them! 1- Keep lists of emergency numbers where you’ll need them Keeping lists of important numbers handy will provide a quick and easy first response to many crises. Babysitter cancelled? No problem! Keeping a list of potential babysitters on your bulle... More About: Management , Crisis , Cris
Kitchen Tables for Homework- Who Needs a Desk?
2007-10-07 09:49:00 When I was a child, I didn’t have a desk. Can you imagine that? In today’s day and age, you might think of me as a poor, underprivileged child who had no place to do homework. You might think that perhaps because of this I didn’t do homework at all, or that without a proper place to work, I developed poor study habits. This is all incorrect, of course- I was a diligent student (for the most part), one who excelled in school and went on to earn a graduate degree. And I attribute it all to my mother’s kitchen table. Yup, that’s right- a simple kitchen table. How, you might ask, did a kitchen table propel me forward in life? I’ll let you in on my little secret- one that I’ll even let you share with others- I did my homework at the kitchen table. And it was really one of the best home organization tips that my mother (the genius!) could have implemented. Doing homework at the kitchen table is beneficial for several reasons: 1- A kitchen table allows parents to do... More About: Kitchen , Tables , Homework , Desk , Ework
Family Vacation Ideas for a Smooth Trip
2007-09-23 23:17:00 In August, we took our first family vacation. And I do mean FAMILY vacation. We went to California with my parents, one set of grandparents, my sister, her husband and their three children, and of course, my husband and our three children. We also took a babysitter along to help deal with all of the craziness (and crankiness), an expense that, I must say, proved to be quite worthwhile. Despite my initial concerns, the trip proved to be quite enjoyable for everyone. I think the trip’s success was mostly due to my mother’s remarkable planning (I take NO credit), and I’d like to share some of her wisdom with you. If you have any other family vacation ideas, I’d love to hear them- and share them- so that our next trip (and yours!) can be even better! 1- Plan Age Appropriate Activities I don’t think I can stress this point enough. Although it may be hard to find activities that are appropriate for everybody (our group, for example, consisted of people ages 78 to 5 months... More About: Ideas , Family , Vacation , Trip , Smooth
Let’s Make Recycling “Cool” with Cool Recycling Bins!
2007-09-16 10:53:00 When I was a kid, my mother decided that every year on Earth Day, our family would surrender something we did that wasn’t good for the environment. One year we stopped using paper goods. One year we started using paper bags at the supermarket instead of plastic bags. We started using more cloth towels and less paper towels. It certainly wasn’t easy, but it definitely instilled in me a consciousness about the need to protect our environment. I carried this lesson with me as I started my own family, and would now like to share with you the importance protecting the Earth and the ways in which we can do this easily. One way to start is by introducing recycling bins into every home in America. First, take a look at these interesting facts: - Every ton of paper that is recycled saves 17 trees. - Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to illuminate a light bulb for 4 hours. - Recycling one aluminum can conserves enough energy to run a television for 3 hours. - Recyclin... More About: Cool , Make
Enjoy a Friendlier Freezer with Tips for Freezer Efficiency
2007-09-09 08:46:00 During my summer vacation, I met a most fascinating man. He is nearly blind and his wife suffers from limited mobility. In order to be able to enjoy in his “hobby” of inviting guests from all over the world, this man has created an obvious- yet easily overlooked- system for creating freezer efficiency. Although he has thee extra freezers, a luxury most people can’t afford or don’t have space to accommodate, his food was stored in a perfectly organized fashion, so that he would be able to find what he needed even when his wife wasn’t there- as was the case when we arrived. I was so inspired by this remarkable person and his wonderful system for freezer efficiency, that I ran home to share it with you. I know you’ll love it too. 1- Create a Master List For maximum freezer efficiency, create a master list of what is in your freezer at all times. My father, for example, is constantly complaining that food in his freezer has “hair” longer than his own, because it is... More About: Tips , Enjoy , Efficiency , Freezer , Lier
See Yourself in a New Way with the Right Bathroom Mirrors
2007-09-02 07:29:00 Ever try applying eyeliner in a fuzzy, cloudy or dull bathroom mirror? I have. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. After spending several nights in a quaint but poorly designed hotel in the San Francisco area, I am left yearning for my own bathroom mirrors, ones with the proper lighting that allow me to be certain that my tweezers didn’t miss any stray eyebrows and that there are no dark circles under my eyes when I leave the house. If nothing else, this trip has proven that bathroom mirrors are a critical part of any bathroom, not just for their aesthetic beauty but for their practicality. It’s a lesson I wish I didn’t have to learn firsthand- trying to look my best in a dull mirror is nearly as hard as playing connect the dots while blindfolded. Bathroom mirrors, I’ve found, serve multiple functions- with the proper lighting, bathroom mirrors are the best place to put on makeup and find the necessary confidence to face the long day ahead or an exciting evening out.... More About: Mirrors
See Yourself in a New Way with the Right Bathroom Mirrors
More articles from this author:2007-09-02 07:29:00 Ever try applying eyeliner in a fuzzy, cloudy or dull bathroom mirror? I have. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. After spending several nights in a quaint but poorly designed hotel in the San Francisco area, I am left yearning for my own bathroom mirrors, ones with the proper lighting that allow me to be certain that my tweezers didn’t miss any stray eyebrows and that there are no dark circles under my eyes when I leave the house. If nothing else, this trip has proven that bathroom mirrors are a critical part of any bathroom, not just for their aesthetic beauty but for their practicality. It’s a lesson I wish I didn’t have to learn firsthand- trying to look my best in a dull mirror is nearly as hard as playing connect the dots while blindfolded. Bathroom mirrors, I’ve found, serve multiple functions- with the proper lighting, bathroom mirrors are the best place to put on makeup and find the necessary confidence to face the long day ahead or an exciting evening out.... More About: Mirrors 1, 2, 3 |
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