Showing posts with label home ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home ideas. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Best Feng Shui Advice
By Jessica Hoelzel
Some of the best feng shui advice I can give is to stay inspired. To be inspired means to be “in spirit”. When we don’t change our home environment on a regular basis, the energy becomes stagnant. Rather than filled with life force energy, it becomes void of it. I encourage you to live “in spirit”, to continuously be aware of how you can create space around you that fills you up.
A great resource for home inspiration is my friend Lisa’s blog, Inspire Chi. Check it out!
Monday, February 21, 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 #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
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 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
Friday, January 21, 2011
New Year, New Possibilities
By Jessica Hoelzel
Have you thought about your intentions for the New Year – how you want to live, what you want to be different in your home?
Do you want to view clear surfaces in your kitchen? How about not seeing piles of stuff in the entry when you walk in? Maybe be able to walk with ease on a clear path to your basement? What would it feel like to be able to find what you need in 30 seconds or less?
Organizing is empowering. Clearing out clutter and managing well the things that you have can give you a great boost, moving you in a positive direction for the New Year.
Without a doubt, after the activity of the holidays, starting a new project may seem like the last thing you want to do. Do give yourself a break. Put your feet up. Sip a steaming cup of tea. Hold closely your gratitude for family, for home. Allow yourself to reflect on what your standards are. Not what you will tolerate, but what makes you feel good in your home? When are you most at peace?
To quote Sarah Ban Breathnach, “Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.” Take a piece of paper and jot some notes about what an organized home means for you. What does the space look like?
Next ponder what rooms need the most attention. Do a little planning on paper for the next year. Get your calendar, for sure, and slot in some decluttering time. Three-hour sessions are usually about right for bigger projects, before you get burnt out. But you can take 15 minutes a day to transform spaces, too. At the end of a week, that’s almost two hours of organizing!
Maybe the laundry room is your biggest pain right now. Do that first. Maybe the garage needs work, but that would be better scheduled for warm weather. How about weeding out closets or playrooms, to make room for the new things you’ve gotten?
Make sure to include your family. It will make the effort lighter and teach valuable lessons for the future.
Beginning is sometimes the most challenging part, but like my mom’s cross stitch sampler says, “Begun is half done”. Start small and reward yourself along the way. You will gain momentum as you go. Make it an organized new year!
Have you thought about your intentions for the New Year – how you want to live, what you want to be different in your home?
Do you want to view clear surfaces in your kitchen? How about not seeing piles of stuff in the entry when you walk in? Maybe be able to walk with ease on a clear path to your basement? What would it feel like to be able to find what you need in 30 seconds or less?
Organizing is empowering. Clearing out clutter and managing well the things that you have can give you a great boost, moving you in a positive direction for the New Year.
Without a doubt, after the activity of the holidays, starting a new project may seem like the last thing you want to do. Do give yourself a break. Put your feet up. Sip a steaming cup of tea. Hold closely your gratitude for family, for home. Allow yourself to reflect on what your standards are. Not what you will tolerate, but what makes you feel good in your home? When are you most at peace?
To quote Sarah Ban Breathnach, “Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.” Take a piece of paper and jot some notes about what an organized home means for you. What does the space look like?
Next ponder what rooms need the most attention. Do a little planning on paper for the next year. Get your calendar, for sure, and slot in some decluttering time. Three-hour sessions are usually about right for bigger projects, before you get burnt out. But you can take 15 minutes a day to transform spaces, too. At the end of a week, that’s almost two hours of organizing!
Maybe the laundry room is your biggest pain right now. Do that first. Maybe the garage needs work, but that would be better scheduled for warm weather. How about weeding out closets or playrooms, to make room for the new things you’ve gotten?
Make sure to include your family. It will make the effort lighter and teach valuable lessons for the future.
Beginning is sometimes the most challenging part, but like my mom’s cross stitch sampler says, “Begun is half done”. Start small and reward yourself along the way. You will gain momentum as you go. Make it an organized new year!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Office Feng Shui - Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life
By Jessica Hoelzel
You can apply feng shui in large and small ways, to enhance your work space and work life. You can do it all at once, or a little here and there as you have the time.
Before you dive in, though, you need to clear out all that clutter! The energy of clutter is distracting and draining. And you’ll need a fresh, clean slate to work from. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html for my earlier blog post with good tips and tricks.
Next, you’ll need to reflect upon, and get clear about what you need and want from your space:
What do you want your space to look like?
How do you want it to feel?
How do you want it to nurture you?
In which areas do you need support?
Spend some time dreaming about your ideal space. Take some notes. Cut out some pictures of magazines. Put together some ideas and just let them brew. Click http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/home-offices/index.html for some lovely inspiration.
Whether you have a corner office suite, a cube or a tiny nook in the kitchen, you can enhance it and make it work for you. Click http://www.askthebuilder.com/341_Maximize_Small_Home_Office_Space.shtml for great small office solutions.
Ultimately, your office should be a place that calls to you, a place that you feel comfortable and confident in, and a place where you can thrive. Happy Dreaming!
More to come on enhancing your office with feng shui…Stay tuned!
You can apply feng shui in large and small ways, to enhance your work space and work life. You can do it all at once, or a little here and there as you have the time.
Before you dive in, though, you need to clear out all that clutter! The energy of clutter is distracting and draining. And you’ll need a fresh, clean slate to work from. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html for my earlier blog post with good tips and tricks.
Next, you’ll need to reflect upon, and get clear about what you need and want from your space:
What do you want your space to look like?
How do you want it to feel?
How do you want it to nurture you?
In which areas do you need support?
Spend some time dreaming about your ideal space. Take some notes. Cut out some pictures of magazines. Put together some ideas and just let them brew. Click http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/home-offices/index.html for some lovely inspiration.
Whether you have a corner office suite, a cube or a tiny nook in the kitchen, you can enhance it and make it work for you. Click http://www.askthebuilder.com/341_Maximize_Small_Home_Office_Space.shtml for great small office solutions.
Ultimately, your office should be a place that calls to you, a place that you feel comfortable and confident in, and a place where you can thrive. Happy Dreaming!
More to come on enhancing your office with feng shui…Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
