Dreaming of Garage Upgrades

The weather in our neck of the woods is starting to feel quite springish!  It's welcomed with opened arms and we have been enjoying our week together as a family on Spring Break.

With the onset of the warm weather, I have begun dreaming of getting to work on some outdoor projects.  The garage specifically.  Sure, it's pretty organized, but each spring we need to do a quick "clean up" since we just aren't out there much in the winter, and I get to look at which systems still aren't working and begin assessing dreaming.

Above and beyond organizing this year, I am feel ambitious enough to think of finishing the floor, finishing the walls and adding trim.  Oooh la la the thought of a finished garage makes my heart race with happiness.  I think that if our garage was more of a finished extension of our home, we would be more likely to give it the love it deserves year round.  Not to mention, our home is not blessed with a mudroom or entry, so why not put one in the garage itself?  Could be a less expensive option than completely adding on somewhere!

Here are some of my dreamy ideas for our garage this year:

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1. I love the idea of using magnetic strips for quick tool access {no more just throwing them in random workbench piles}!
2. We already have a peg board system, but you can bet your booty that I am going to be painting it a pretty color this year!
3. Built in cubbies in the garage?!  I have always looked at the inside of my home for a place to put these, and have always been frustrated that I just don't have the room.  But I have a garage with an entrance to the home, that is screaming for kid cubbies to organize their sporting goods, shoes/boots, jackets and backpacks!  I honestly can't wait for this one!  One of those why didn't I think of it sooner moments!
4. How cute are those stairs?  I love the idea of jazzing them up with paint and a welcome message!
5. Our garage needs all of the finishing touches.  Trim, walls and floor.  It will make it feel more like an extension of our home than a dirty outdoor space. 
6. A desktop drawer system for the workbench is a must.  We have oodles of bins, but the problem is they are stacked and require to much "work" to maintain and put things back.  Drawers are sure to solve that problem.

Sure, we still have and endless list of fun projects for the inside of our home, but this nice weather has me itching to slow those down and take advantage of being outside!  I may even paint our front door this year... here is the color I have in mind:

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Who else is dreaming of fun outdoor projects?

Guest Post: Interview with Professional Organizer Cynthia Murray

A few weeks ago I asked you what you would ask if you had the chance to interview a professional organizer, and you came up with all sorts of goodness for me to send her way!

Of course, I couldn't ask her everything, but I took the most popular ten questions and sent them her way!

Here is a little more about our lovely friend stopping in today:

That's right, Cynthia is both a Professional Organizer and helps others with how to become a professional organizer!  Love that!

So lets get started!

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"Once good storage solutions and systems are in place, it’s so much easier for anyone, any age, to learn where things go. Even little kiddos. Labeling bins with pictures of what’s inside (rather than writing it out) makes it easy for kids to see where toys and crafts belong. Kids are quick learners, so cleaning up after themselves should come easy, especially once everything has a clear home."  

"It’s important to have everyone in the household contributing and willing to make changes. Come up with a fun reward for the family if everyone does well each week. If during the week kids need a boost, you can create a chart with fun stickers where they can “check off” a task once completed. Make organizing fun through treating it like a game."

"The best advice I can give someone wanting to become a professional organizer is to take that leap of faith and just do it!  There is enough information out there that can keep you busy for months or even years learning everything there is to know, but the best way of learning is to actually get out there and begin taking on clients.

The best way to get clients when starting out is through setting up a professional looking website and getting it out in front of the people who are already looking to hire a professional organizer in your area.  More information about getting started as a professional organizer can be found at my website, profitableorganizer.com"

"Creating routines is the best way to get into good habits. Create a chart of nightly/weekly to-dos. Such as, designating one day of the week to clean out the car and straighten up before going to bed every night. Before you know it, it will become second-nature."

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"Multifunctional spaces are key when organizing in small spaces.  For example, using an ottoman with storage, rather than a simple coffee table, can help hide toys or blankets.  Or in a nursery, put the changing pad and diaper station on top of a long dresser rather than having a separate changing table.  That's what we did!"

"My favorites are:

• Better Homes and Gardens 
• IKEA: Great for small space storage ideas
• Org Junkie
• DIY Network
• IHeart Organizing"

 

"For the longest time it was my label maker, which it still is, but recently I found a great link on Better Homes and Gardens website with cute labels.  So, I usually print those out on cardstock and use self-laminating tags from Target to protect them.  It's all about the details!"

 

"It can be very overwhelming making a big change, even if it's for the better.  The first step is making a commitment to yourself that you're ready and believe it.  Stomp that bug!  Take it step-by-step and start at one section of a room and work your way around.  If you focus too much on how HUGE the mess is, you won't even want to get started.  First step in any organizing job is to purge.  Get rid of everything you don't and won't use.  Then, categorize what you have left and assess what you need for storage.  Organize and label and you're on your way!"

"The biggest mistake I have seen people make when trying to organize is their lack of knowledge on setting up good systems, and not using the space they have to it's full potential.  And if they feel there is not enough storage space, not knowing how to "create" more through systems or using multifunctional furniture."

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"It is extremely important to my clients that we remain budget-conscious on any project.  One way to keep costs down is to re-use what they already have and if you do need to purchase additional storage, shop smart.  I often shop at Target, Home Depot, Lowes, HomeGoods and IKEA."

A very special THANK YOU to Cynthia for stopping by with such great tips and answers to all of your brilliant questions!

Reader Space: Swoon Worthy Dollar Store Storage

We often times look at dreamy magazines and high end pictures so that we can identify what we adore about it and then try to replicate that look on our own personal budget.  What I love about today's reader space is that you look at it and think, "Gosh, she must have spent a fortune on fancy storage containers, I could never afford that" only to find out that she found majority of her items at.... THE DOLLAR STORE!



Jen wrote:

Hi Jen, it's Jen!

And like you, I HEART organizing! And your blog, of course! I love how it motivates me to simplify my life every day. As I get older, I am quickly beginning to realize that putting in a little effort organizing my home will save me loads of time in the future, and who doesn't like to save time {and money!}.

Last summer I decided to overhaul my kitchen cupboards, and not only make them more functional, but more pleasing to look at! All that mismatched packaging and cardboard boxes be gone! I love being able to see everything, so I know when I'm running low on an ingredient and can put it on my shopping list instead of finding out that I'm almost out when I need it for a recipe.

I sourced out my local dollar store, and was SO happy to find everything I needed there, instead of having to fork over $20 a pop for the containers I originally wanted. The cost to outfit this one large cupboard was under $50! Here's the breakdown.

8 x Vintage Looking Square Glass Containers $1.50 each = $12

6 x Large Plastic Bulk Containers $2.00 each: $12

6 x Glass Round Containers $2.00 each: $12

20 x Clear plastic "disposable" containers $2 for 10 = $4

4 x White Plastic Baskets $2 Each: $8

Total Cost: $48

Last week I took my pantry makeover one step further and designed some fun and vintage-inspired labels that make me smile every time I look at them! I believe that organizing should be equal parts pretty and practical, and I think this fits the bill! I loved the white baskets for loose kitchen items so much, that I even bought some for the fridge and am head over heels in love with them. Can't beat their $2 price tag either!

The labels I designed on my Mac using various inspiration I found online. I'm not a graphic designer by any means, but my past life as a wedding/event planner allowed me to develop some elementary skills for label/graphic making. The only problem with my label-proficiency is that I often have creative bursts that make me want to re-design and re-label everything! However, I must say I really like these ones so I think they will stay for a while!

Hope you enjoyed a peak into my pantry and THANK YOU for all of your inspiration!

Jen 
http://thesocialhome.blogspot.com/

OK, I am warning you, this is incredible.  Here is what she accomplished!  Oh SO pretty!

After I spent too long gazing through the gorgeous space, I pulled myself together enough to ask about the labels.  Here is what she had to say:

"I actually printed the labels on weather proof mailing labels from Staples that I had on hand from another project and then hand cut the shapes. I haven't had a problem with them so far but have also considered laminating ones in the future for more durability.  I expect them to last in the cupboard longer than the fridge though. I'm sure something similar could be done in vinyl- I just have yet to join the Silhouette club, but boy when I do I'm sure there will be some crazy label making in my house!"

Pretty super right?

What is better is that she is also offering up some freebie printables so you can have the same labels if you wish!

{click HERE to download your free copy of the rectangle pantry labels}

{click HERE to download your free copy of the square pantry labels}

• It's pretty, oh so pretty!  We have the same belief that organizing should be both practical and lovely!
• It's functional, I have always boasted that clear storage in the kitchen is the way to go.  It preserves the life of your food for longer and it gives you that quick visual inventory so you never run out of something you need in a pinch.
• She re-created an uber high end look on a dollar store budget.  I personally never would have guessed those items were $2 or less a piece!
• She made her own labels.  Anyone can do this!  Sometimes it just takes some trial and error, but I always encourage you to try!  The outcome is typically one you can be proud of!
• Her cabinet is streamlined.  It is far more functional than having endless amounts of boxes and bags just stashed on the shelves.  All of that mix and matched packaging can be overwhelming on the eyes and items can easily get missed.

And, lucky us!  If you love Jen's creations and are looking to have some customized, you can check out her Etsy shop here! 

Thank you Jen for reminding us to check out that Dollar Store FIRST when shopping for storage solutions.  No need to spend $20 per container when $2 will do!  That goes for anywhere in the house as well, just a little imagination can make any storage lovely.  Just look at the magic of those pretty labels.  Wow, they make such a show stopping difference!  LOVE IT ALL!

Lets share dollar store organizing stories.  Who else has been pulling off high end looks for less?  What's your best dollar store score?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please send your story and photos to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!  More info HERE.

IHeart Giveaway: Get Clean with Norwex!

Ooh, anything I can do to help our lovely planet while also cleaning makes me super happy inside!  So imagine my excitement when I was recently introduced to Norwex!

Norwex is committed to radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning to promote health. More than ever they feel the need to emphasize the positive environmental impact of reducing chemical use.

One of the first ways to clean with less chemicals and to be more earth friendly while cleaning, is to use microfiber cleaning cloths.  This goes for both the home and the body.

What makes Norwex Microfiber a preferred choice?

Norwex microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide. This fiber is 1/100th the size of a strand of human hair. When this high-quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in matter. Used dry the static effect created enhances the microfiber’s ability to attract dirt and dust particles. As you lightly wipe the surface, the microfiber attracts and draws up even the smallest particles of dust, trapping them in the fibers. Used wet the microfibers work together to give an excellent cleaning effect. Wet, wring and wipe away dirt and debris from all washable surfaces. For spot removing, spray water on the surface being cleaned. Norwex microfiber is backed with an exceptional Warranty of 2 years or 500 washings.

Unlike cotton cloths, that will spread the dirt, grease and other particles around, Norwex micro fiber when used wet, lifts these particles up and away from the surface.  Once inside the cloth the micro silver in the cloth goes to work on the self purification properties against the mold, fungi,  and bacterial odor within 24 hours, so that it is ready to use again.

What are the benefits of cleaning with Norwex microfiber?

Microfiber cloths are environmentally friendly. They may reduce the consumption of cleaning chemicals in your home up to 90% while at the same time reducing your exposure to toxic fumes. This can make a big difference for anyone with allergies and chemical sensitivities. In important areas of our homes like bathrooms and kitchens, microfiber cloths help to provide a cleaner, healthier environment. Microfiber cloths are very durable and can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

And today my friends, I am partnering up with my gal Jennifer, a Norwex independent consultant, to get you started with both

• Household Package {1 Enviro Cloth, 1 Window Cloth and 1 Dusting Mitt which is a $46.99 value}
• Body Pack {3 body cloths, a $19.99 value}

 

{enter using the new giveaway management tool below, just follow the simple steps}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you would like to receive 15% off of your Norwex order, email Jennifer and she will work with you to make that happen!

Thanks everyone and GOOD LUCK! 

The Joneses are....

... enjoying some spring break time together!

No worries, I will still be popping in throughout the week with all sorts of greatness like a new giveaway, a super fantastic Reader Space and more!

What do you have planned for Spring Break?

Project Pretty Recap {a.k.a. oodles of pretty organizing eye candy!}

I can't thank you all enough.  I had over 150 super fantastic "Project Pretty" link ups last week!

You all really took this challenge to heart and gave me endless amounts of organizing eye candy and inspiration, click after click after click.  I couldn't stop oohing and aahing and saying to my nearby family, "Oh my goodness, check out this smartness!" or "You have to come and see this!"  To say I was smiling big and glowing with delight is an understatement!

I thought it would be fun to share some of the awesomeness with you!  So get cozy and get ready to fall in love with pretty organizing all over again!

Sometimes some paint and embellishments are all you need to revamp a piece that you already had!

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Some of you got creative with fabric!  I love how this set of drawers was given a pretty face lift with fabric and Mod Podge!

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Not to mention, all of the fantastic fabric covered cork boards!

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How about using fabric to create a pouch to help with purse organization?

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You even took standard white cheapo binders and made them look like a million bucks with fabric!  Can you believe your eyes?

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You all know I am a lover of labels!  And when they are DIY labels, I think they add instant character to any project!

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Some of you worked on a closet, drawer or pantry....

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Others tackled an entire room!

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I love how creative you all got by giving standard items a face lift to create high end looks on a budget!

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Seems like you all had a lot of fun playing with the items from the new Martha Stewart line!  Check out this super sweet DIY chore system:

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Using the back of a cabinet door is a great way to keep your favorite recipes right in reach!

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You also echoed the fact that paper makes everything pretty!  Whether a set of plastic drawers or an entire nook!

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And of course, lets not forget the power of paint.  The striped back-drop for this art display has me wanting to whip out the ol' painters tape again!

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A special thank you to everyone that participated and prettied up your storage!  I hope you found it to be a fun and rewarding process, and that you will find the urge to do it again!