A Tangled Mess!

Do your cords look like this? 

Wouldn't your rather them look like this?!

Here's what you need: zip lock bags, labels (or just a permanent marker) and a little patience to figure out what the heck those cords are for.  :-)

And check back on Monday to hear about our yard sale this weekend.  Should be fun!

~Leah

Product of the Week: The Multi-Purpose Bin

This clear bin is just simply amazing.  It comes in 3 widths and is so perfect for corralling anything loose in your home.  Plus, it has handles on the sides for easier mobility.  

I use the large size for cleaning products (I actually needed 2 for all my spray bottles and sponges).  The medium size is great for file folders or office supplies... we also use this size in our deep freezer drawer.  The small size is quite narrow and perfect for storing magazines or journals; maybe even craft paper.  

The best part about these bins is that they are so inexpensive!  You can't go wrong with $2.99- $4.99 at The Container Store.  Wowie Zowie!

 ~Leah

So Crafty

Doesn't this picture inspire you to do something crafty?!  It would be so lovely to have all these fun little things around the house for projects and gifts.  And even better, they are all sorted into little compartments.  Now, all that is needed is a good friend, some Joshua Radin in the background and a mug of tea. 

~Leah

(photo credit: aka creativity)

Confession

I have neglected my make-up drawer... and it's become a mess.  

Not only was everything covered in powder and lipstick, but there were things in there that were probably 10 years old.  GASP!  It was definitely time to clean it out and organize. 

First step, I removed everything and sorted like things with like.  

Then I tossed the OLD stuff and all the other lipsticks and shadows I never used.  

And finally after wiping the drawer down, I put everything back.  Ta Da!!!  

It's not dramatic, but it feels so great.  Now it's your turn.  

~Leah

Say NO to wire hangers!

Please, please, please get rid of these.....

They are terrible for your clothes. 
They bend and lose their shape. 
And they are just plain ugly.  

But your dry cleaner will take them back!  Yup, I'm taking these away for my client and replacing them with beautiful hangers. 

Now, that's something to be happy about. 

~Leah

What the FBI told me....

I had the opportunity to hear a talk about Identity Theft from an FBI agent a few weeks ago... and it was enlightening.  I was a bit intimidated by this super cool woman, but she was so down to earth and actually quite sweet.  So, let me tell you a few things I learned:

- Always place outgoing mail, especially with checks inside, directly into public mailboxes.  This avoids the opportunity for someone to steal your mail and get your account and routing numbers from your check.

-SHRED anything you wouldn't want a criminal to know.... social security number, account numbers, etc.  Don't worry about your address since that can be found very easily.

-Keep your passwords protected (don't write them down on a post-it by your computer!) and make them a bit complicated.  Think of words, nicknames, or numbers that only you would know.

-Be careful with what you put on social media... how easy would it be for a criminal to figure out your mother's maiden name, pet's name, city you were born in?  These facts are usually all that keeps them from accessing your accounts.  

Just be careful, out there, k?  And don't leave your purse in your car.  

~Leah

De-Clutter Your Mind

Do you ever feel like there are a million things swirling around in your head making you feel completely overwhelmed?  Well, I feel like that A LOT.  I do my best to make lists and to get things done, but I inevitably have those moments when I just feel like it's all too much.

I had one of those moments the other day and instead of walking around the house in circles while I stressed out about my life, I got my butt out the door and into a yoga class.  And as I moved from downward dog to pigeon to a seated twist, I noticed that my mind was feeling less cluttered and I had more space in that little head of mine.  I felt so grateful for that time that I had just spent on ME, and when I got home I actually felt like those endless lists were a little bit easier to tackle.  Yay!

My dearest friend, Nina, during her yoga training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. 

Even if you can't touch your toes, just find a class where you can sit and breathe... I promise you that you will feel less cluttered.  For those lucky ducks who live in the Boston area, go take one of Nina's wonderful classes!  And for all of you, check out her delightful blog at Naturally Nina. 

~Leah

Confession

I am obsessed with a manila folder.... I'm serious.

It may look like it's just a boring folder, but this one has more than meets the eye.  Pendaflex has taken this simple office basic and added three interior tabs!   Look at how I used it for our recent trip, keeping all of our flight and activity info organized:

 

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to get some free samples at the Organizer's Conference.  And every time I tell a friend about it, they look at me like I'm crazy.  Am I the only person who thinks this is so great?? 

~Leah

Spring is here!

And it's time to talk about Spring Cleaning!!  It may seem overwhelming to think about clearing unwanted stuff out of your home and doing some of that deep cleaning in drawers and cabinets that we don't go into very often.  So, instead of getting stressed out be nice to yourself and just pick one or two things that you will do this year.  Maybe you can go through your kitchen utensils and donate a few extra spatulas, or maybe your goal will be to clear off your desktop so that you can wipe it down.  Whatever it is, have fun with it and remind yourself how wonderful you will feel when that area is cleaned out.

Then when it's done, get yourself out of the house and enjoy some sunshine!

Lemons from our tree... and our furry "son" trying to get in the shot. 

~Leah

An Organizer's Disneyland

Last week I attended the Organizers' Conference here in (not so) sunny San Diego hosted by NAPO (National Association for Professional Organizers).... and it was like being a kid in a candy store!  I was surrounded by amazing organizing products and hundreds of other people who love label makers and stacking clear boxes just as much as I do.  I learned so much, my head is spinning, and I can't wait to share it all with you!

But right now, I have to put labels on my new file folders.  I promise there will be more to come....

~Leah
(photo: my new, snazzy tote from the conference)

Product of the Week: Cord Catcher

This little guy is one of my absolute favorite things!  How often do you unplug your cell phone from the charger and it falls to the ground?  Or you unplug your laptop or any other USB plug and it falls back behind your desk?  Well, I have have three and I no longer have to crawl around on the floor... the cord catcher keeps all my cords right in place!  Yay!  It is a sleek, modern and unassuming addition to any desk or bedside table.  It was my go-to holiday gift for my family members (so practical, yes).  Find it at OXO or take a trip to the Container Store.  I promise you that you'll love it. 

~Leah

My First Confession

Hello, Blog World!  Today is an exciting day as I start this little blog, but I must confess that it is not without some butterflies in my stomach.  I have followed some amazing bloggers who are truly inspiring and whose posts make my day.  I just hope that I, too, can bring a smile to your face and give you some fun tips and tricks to get you more organized.  

I also want to speak the truth; and the truth is that I am not always organized.  My home is a work in progress and I don't always have the answers.  What I do know is that getting rid of clutter can not only help you keep your home organized, but it can also clear your mind and help you focus on your life and not your stuff.  

So, here I go.... and thank you for being here!  And thank you to all of my dear friends who have been so supportive and who are always there when I have a technical question or just need some encouragement.  Love you guys!!  

~Leah 

p.s. Isn't this photo just so fresh and beautiful?!  Check out Chez Larsson to learn how to make your office organizers coordinated with your favorite colors. 
(photo credit: Chez Larsson)