By Jessica Hoelzel
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #4
Small Items That Make a BIG Difference
Do you ever get overwhelmed when you go shopping for things to help you get organized? With all the products out there, which ones will give you the most bang for your buck? Here are a few pretty inexpensive little things that can go a long way to create order. Put your own fun, personalized spin on them.
1. File Folders
Sort out your papers, label and keep them at your fingertips in a tray, basket or desktop file holder. Choose designs that complement your décor and your personality.
OfficeMax® has some neat designer sets: http://www.officemax.com/catalog/search.jsp?freeText=designer+file+folders
2. Magazine Butlers
Not just for magazines – also perfect for keeping pocket folders with important papers handy. Also great for notebooks, or any reference guides printed in a magazine size. Choose a set of three in a design that makes you happy. Or mix it up with a set made up of different graphics or coverings. The less expensive ones are printed cardboard, a little more spendy are the heavy-duty cardboard ones covered in linen or faux leather. Label the outside. My favorite thing about them? They can either face front, making it easy to grab things, or turn them around and you hide what’s inside. Place on countertops, shelves or your desk.
The Container Store® has a variety: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/literatureOrganizers/magazines
3. Photo Boxes
Not just for photos either! These can be used in virtually every room of the house, for a multitude of small “things”. Think craft and art supplies, office supplies, random electronic components, greeting cards or sentimental items, makeup, whatever you can get to fit. And most come with a place to label. Separate your things out by category. Easily store and access what you need. Stack them in cupboards, in closets or on shelves.
Find a style that suits you at Michaels®: http://www.michaels.com/Recollections-Photo-Craft-Storage-Boxes/sb1441,default,pd.html?cgid=products-scrapbooking-storage&start=5
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Chic & Easy Organizing - On the Cheap
By Jessica Hoelzel
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #3
Feng shui your closet and make it an organized place to start your day.
Our bedroom closets – whether we’re lucky enough to have a walk-in, or make do with a reach-in – are where we prepare for our days. What we see (and feel) when we retrieve things from them can affect our moods and energy levels, therefore impacting how we go about the rest of our days. If your closet is a mess, or filled with items that aren’t perfectly “suited” for you, your days may not start off very pleasantly.
Eliminate the visual clutter and chaos that can put you in a sour mood. Get rid of the things that don’t resonate with you, or don’t reflect you authentic self.
Step 1: Get sets of matching hangers
Ikea has wooden hangers for a nice price http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115122. But if you’re going to need a lot, and your budget is even tighter than that, find plastic hangers at Target® (online at http://www.target.com/) Buy all the same color and style. Or check out the variety and deals at http://www.dollardays.com/wholesale-hangers.html.
If you know what Life Area of the Bagua your closet’s in, you can choose hangers in a corresponding color to support that area. Choose purple (the color for Wealth) or green (representing Wood, the element for Wealth) if your closet sits in the Wealth area of your home, for example. By doing so, any intentions you have around attracting wealth can be working for you – on a conscious and subconscious level.
Step 2: Remove all hanging items from your closet, re-hang and put back in one-by-one
Lay your things out on your bed, or hang from a portable rack. As you pick up each item to place on a new hanger, ask yourself:
- Does this fit?
- Is it in good condition?
- Is it me?
Remember this basic feng shui principle while you are doing this: Your Space Reflects Your Life. If your closet is a jumbled mess, what does that say about your life? If you can put this space in order, the order of other circumstances in your life just might fall into place too. It’s remarkably so, because everything is energy.
If your closet is full of things that you “used” to wear or that you “hope” to wear someday, but they don’t fit, give yourself permission to let them go. There is no sense living in the past or the future.
Having only what represents who you are, right here, right now in your life can create a nice space for you to start your day. What you’ll see when you open those closet doors is a space that’s put together. A space that fosters authentic beauty. And if you can connect with that on a daily basis, how good will you feel?
Now if this task sounds like drudgery to you, create the space (and mindset) for it to be fun. Blare your favorite upbeat music. Or choose some music that will soothe your soul, and help you let go. This is your time to rejuvenate the space where you dress and get ready to face the world every day. Make it great.
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #3
Feng shui your closet and make it an organized place to start your day.
Our bedroom closets – whether we’re lucky enough to have a walk-in, or make do with a reach-in – are where we prepare for our days. What we see (and feel) when we retrieve things from them can affect our moods and energy levels, therefore impacting how we go about the rest of our days. If your closet is a mess, or filled with items that aren’t perfectly “suited” for you, your days may not start off very pleasantly.
Eliminate the visual clutter and chaos that can put you in a sour mood. Get rid of the things that don’t resonate with you, or don’t reflect you authentic self.
Step 1: Get sets of matching hangers
Ikea has wooden hangers for a nice price http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115122. But if you’re going to need a lot, and your budget is even tighter than that, find plastic hangers at Target® (online at http://www.target.com/) Buy all the same color and style. Or check out the variety and deals at http://www.dollardays.com/wholesale-hangers.html.
If you know what Life Area of the Bagua your closet’s in, you can choose hangers in a corresponding color to support that area. Choose purple (the color for Wealth) or green (representing Wood, the element for Wealth) if your closet sits in the Wealth area of your home, for example. By doing so, any intentions you have around attracting wealth can be working for you – on a conscious and subconscious level.
Step 2: Remove all hanging items from your closet, re-hang and put back in one-by-one
Lay your things out on your bed, or hang from a portable rack. As you pick up each item to place on a new hanger, ask yourself:
- Does this fit?
- Is it in good condition?
- Is it me?
Remember this basic feng shui principle while you are doing this: Your Space Reflects Your Life. If your closet is a jumbled mess, what does that say about your life? If you can put this space in order, the order of other circumstances in your life just might fall into place too. It’s remarkably so, because everything is energy.
If your closet is full of things that you “used” to wear or that you “hope” to wear someday, but they don’t fit, give yourself permission to let them go. There is no sense living in the past or the future.
Having only what represents who you are, right here, right now in your life can create a nice space for you to start your day. What you’ll see when you open those closet doors is a space that’s put together. A space that fosters authentic beauty. And if you can connect with that on a daily basis, how good will you feel?
Now if this task sounds like drudgery to you, create the space (and mindset) for it to be fun. Blare your favorite upbeat music. Or choose some music that will soothe your soul, and help you let go. This is your time to rejuvenate the space where you dress and get ready to face the world every day. Make it great.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chic & Easy Organizing - On the Cheap
By Jessica Hoelzel
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #2
Could you use some extra space? Maybe an empty drawer, cupboard or even shelf would come in handy. How do you gain more space without spending a dime? Pare down and streamline. You’re guaranteed to gain more space when you get rid of a portion of what you have.
Every “thing” you have is a “thing” you have to find space for and manage. Maybe you can take a look and what you have, and part with 1/3 of it. Maybe 1/2 of it. If you have a drawer that’s crammed full, chances are you are not using, and don’t need every single thing that’s in it.
Take pens for example. You can only physically use one pen at a time. So why do you have 46? Keep the favorite ones and chuck the rest. Same thing with an excess of notepads – keep the ones you like the style and size of, and recycle the rest.
It’s okay to let some things go…you’ll feel better, lighter in fact, later.
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #2
Could you use some extra space? Maybe an empty drawer, cupboard or even shelf would come in handy. How do you gain more space without spending a dime? Pare down and streamline. You’re guaranteed to gain more space when you get rid of a portion of what you have.
Every “thing” you have is a “thing” you have to find space for and manage. Maybe you can take a look and what you have, and part with 1/3 of it. Maybe 1/2 of it. If you have a drawer that’s crammed full, chances are you are not using, and don’t need every single thing that’s in it.
Take pens for example. You can only physically use one pen at a time. So why do you have 46? Keep the favorite ones and chuck the rest. Same thing with an excess of notepads – keep the ones you like the style and size of, and recycle the rest.
It’s okay to let some things go…you’ll feel better, lighter in fact, later.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Chic & Easy Organizing – On the Cheap
By Jessica Hoelzel
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Check in regularly for the latest ideas. And if you have some of your own, please pass them along!
Idea #1
Try This:
For Your Desk
Good luck on your treasure hunt and pulling it all together. Create a space that makes your heart sing!
Introducing a new series about bringing order and positive chi to your space, at low or no cost! Getting organized does not have to mean that you walk out of Target® or The Container Store® with a cartload of things you think “might” work to tame the chaos (after dropping $150 smackers). Avoid the temptation to grab things on a whim or a hope. Oftentimes, the last thing we need is to bring more “things” into our spaces. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create that sane sanctuary that you so crave, a place that reflects who you are and makes you feel at peace. Plus, less consumption is an environmentally-friendly way to be.
Organize your desk, dresser, kitchen and media area with unique (and free!) finds. Look no further than your own home. Search through you cupboards, on display shelves or the back of the china cabinet perhaps. Or maybe you have a family member who’d love to share some neat vintage treasures. Look at forgotten but well-loved vases, bowls or platters in a whole new way – repurpose them as containers to organize your stuff.
Try This:
For Your Desk
- Hold paper clips, sticky notes and business cards in pottery or glass bowls
- Sort papers or periodicals out in wicker baskets; tie a ribbon with a small tag for a label
- Stand books upright with a heavy item like a vase or urn on either side
- Gather chunky necklaces in a clear vase
- Hang earrings with long posts around a china teacup, set studs on the saucer
- Place plates or platters to catch watches, money clips and receipts (rectangle or square shapes are more masculine)
- Put pens in a fun coffee mug or vase
- Keep wooden spoons and spatulas in a glass jar or tin next to the stove
- Have a small basket or bowl near an outlet to catch cell phones and chargers
- Stack CDs and DVDs in wooden crates
- Lay remotes on an attractive tray on the coffee table
- Have a hatbox or cloth-covered box with a lid for computer cords and accessories
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Be Intentional About Buying Things
By Jessica Hoelzel
Most of us love a good bargain. Finding deals can be a wonderful way to live a frugal lifestyle. Where we can get into trouble, however, is buying just because it’s a deal.
Do I need this? Hmmm…no, but….
Is there someone I know who could use this? Maybe.
I’ll get it – it’s such a great deal!
I can’t pass this up.
Does this commentary sound familiar to you? Do you buy on impulse, or shop as a hobby – a challenge to find bargain prices? If you do, and your home is cluttered as a result, keep in mind these questions:
Do I love it?
Will I love it tomorrow, next week, in 6 months or a year?
What do I intend to do with it?
Where will I put/store it?
Can I afford it?
Is it a good investment?
Taking the time to stop and think about what your intentions are before you buy can bring you clarity on what you really want in your life. Don’t waste your energy on things that you don’t love, need or have the space for.
Most of us love a good bargain. Finding deals can be a wonderful way to live a frugal lifestyle. Where we can get into trouble, however, is buying just because it’s a deal.
Do I need this? Hmmm…no, but….
Is there someone I know who could use this? Maybe.
I’ll get it – it’s such a great deal!
I can’t pass this up.
Does this commentary sound familiar to you? Do you buy on impulse, or shop as a hobby – a challenge to find bargain prices? If you do, and your home is cluttered as a result, keep in mind these questions:
Do I love it?
Will I love it tomorrow, next week, in 6 months or a year?
What do I intend to do with it?
Where will I put/store it?
Can I afford it?
Is it a good investment?
Taking the time to stop and think about what your intentions are before you buy can bring you clarity on what you really want in your life. Don’t waste your energy on things that you don’t love, need or have the space for.
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