I'm Not Spring Cleaning This Year

You guys, I'm not spring cleaning this year. 

(GASP!)

With hopes of moving in two months, there just really isn't a point to scrub down the window sills and refridgerator drawers. Instead? I'm going to try and get rid of as much stuff as possible.

The last time I moved was in 2009. To be honest, the thought of doing it again makes my palms start to sweat with anxiety. I have so many other things going on right now and I honestly don't even think it's humanly possible to pack up such a small apartment while two people are still trying to coexist. Like, where the hell will we stack the boxes? On the fire escape?!

It is already an obstacle course just to walk from the bedroom to the toilet room. 8 times out of 10, my giant-of-a-boyfriend runs into something and knocks it over. He's been sick and has been pulling out different meds from the medicine cabinet which interrupts the Jenga-esque stacking strategy inside. So now? You open the cabinet and things literally shoot out at you. Come to think of it, the same thing happens with our makeshift cupboard in the kitchen that holds everything from wrapping paper to my yoga mat to extra light bulbs to dish towels to an endless supply of lint rollers I've collected in my Christmas stocking over the years. And without fail, the shower caddy that hangs from the shower head (that has to hold everything since our tub is too small to have any other surface areas) crashes forward at least once mid-shower and I'm always dodging my razor that comes flying down. Oh, and yesterday? I hung my dry cleaning on one of the over-the-door hooks after almost tripping while trying to carry it up the steps and apparently? It was too heavy. "Um. What was THAT?" Oh just the hook device snapping in half and everything falling down. It's like a war zone, people. A freaking war zone.

Not to mention, I painted a big ol' painting this weekend (will share photos later this week) at an event and it's like, "Well. We have no wall space for that." I'm thinking of shipping it to my mother if I can figure out how to even do that.

The only thing I can think of that will help this situation and decrease my stress in this pre-move time? Purging. Starting this weekend (or whenever I have a spare moment), I'm going to go drawer by drawer, hook by hook, cabinet by cabinet, and sell/donate/throw out everything I don't need.

With William Morris in mind who said, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.", I want to strip my collection of things down to the basics. As hard as it can be sometimes to get rid of items you convince yourself you might need (when your inner voice is like, "You never knowww when you would need all 17 old & tattered Vera Bradley bags!"), it feels so good to downsize. It makes you appreciate the nice things you do have, you know?

Ladies, did you know the shelf-life of all your makeup? (I didn't!) Maybe I'll start with that. Is anyone else out there itching to purge? I'd love to hear!

until next time,

g

How I Organize My Personal Documents

I find it helpful to hear how others handle certain facets of their life, particularly individual organizational systems. Today, I'm going to share with you how I organize my personal documents. I also have a couple questions for ya.

elephant paper clips > normal paper clips

As you know, storage space is limited nonexistent in our apartment so I opt for small file boxes from the Container Store. Maybe one day I'll upgrade to a nice filing cabinet of sorts. It seems like each year I have folders I no longer need or I realize new ones I need to make. I do a full overhaul every 12 months and I go through each folder, make new ones, and also shred what is no longer necessary to keep. I typically do this when I file my taxes which was Sunday's lovely task.

folder examples.

apartment leasing // I have copies of every lease I've been on including the ones back in college. Because I'm crazy? Yes. But also because when applying to a NYC apartment, they literally need every document imaginable - including information on your past several residences. And since I have zero memory, this helps. We will be opening this can of worms again very soon (blerg!) so it's good to have all the relevant paperwork.

art projects // I keep a folder of past art projects, including ones I've never shared. You never know when they might have a purpose. I also found a folder of all the many letters from publishing companies a few years ago turning down my children's book manuscripts. Sigh... it's motivation to try again.

bank accounts | retirement | etc. // self-explanatory.

big purchase receipts // Most big purchases (ex: a computer) come with a warranty or other important information. I like to keep receipts for those just-in-case scenarios.

birth certificate | passport | social security card // I spent way too many years trying to locate these things when I needed them.

cards // Although I tend to design my own cards for holidays & special occasions, I will buy cards throughout the year as I find ones I like tucked away in cute little shops or in the aisles of the local drugstore. It's great for the, "Oh it's so-and-so's birthday next week. Let me see if I have a card appropriate for a 10-year-old."

continuing education // Since undergrad, I've taken quite a few "continuing education" courses at various schools both in the city and online -- and I consider their syllabi (what a fun word that is) and coursework to be priceless information.

fitness // gym memberships, fitness goals, workout DVDs, etc.

health & dental insurance // I feel like I'm always asking myself if I paid a certain bill already. This helps me keep track.

inspiration // ...everything from magazine clippings to a beautiful image I found in a vintage shop in Chinatown to stories written by my grandmother. It's my own little Pinterest in a physical folder.

instructions // Ya know, for things like that sewing machine I have yet to learn how to use! It's a good idea to keep all those pamphlets that come with your various gadgets. You never knowww.

job info & reviews // It's a helpful place to store all your important documents from your employer.

keepsakes // In addition to other boxes I have for this purpose (I'm pretty sure I've saved every letter Patrick has written me), I also have a folder for things I've received that I love too much to throw away. I'll either decide at the end of the year that I can read it once more and throw it out (you can't keep everything unless you want to go on Hoarders) or I'll decide to transfer it to a keepsake box. For example, I just can't seem to part with my autographed playbills from Broadway shows I've seen. Maybe one day I can make them into something special.

medical records // I keep a record of everything from childhood to present. I recently asked my parents about their & my grandparents' medical histories. I always felt like doctors were asking me those questions and I never felt certain about my response! ...so I finally asked and wrote it down.

renters' insurance | power bill  | etc. // (I'm sure if you own a home, you can think of 20 more folders you'll need!) I read somewhere that it is smart to A. take photos of your bigger possessions (I have very little to show for myself at 27, but oh well) and to make copies and keep them somewhere that is NOT your home. If (heaven forbid) there is a fire, it won't help to have those records kept with everything else. This can also apply to other important documents - best to keep copies stored in other places.

resumes & cover letters // Although I haven't updated my resume in ages, it's helpful (and funny!) to see where I left off. I don't think I would keep "child care provider" and "camp counselor" on my future version :) In my folder, I have nice thick resume paper (so few people actually care to use that these days and I'm a firm believer that details matter), examples of letters, a guide to resumes & cover letters, and a list of contacts I reached out to the last time I was looking for a job.

tax deductibles // A great way to keep track of your charity donations, etc. It's amazing what you'll forget about a year later.

tax documents // This one is pretty self-explanatory. I also save copies of this stuff electronically. As a side note, I also keep an external hard-drive to back up all the work on my computer. I never know how often to do it, though -- do you?

two things I want to figure out how to organize. help me.

business cards // I can't decide the best way to store all the business cards I collect. Should I separate them between categories? Like restaurants, stores, designers, bloggers, doctors, friends, references, etc? Should I get some sort of Rolodex or should I put them in a booklet? Right now I have a stack waiting for me that is held together by a hair tie. What do you do with yours?

passwords // I started a password log of sorts in one of my planners and I can't decide if it's safe to keep them there. Should I store this electronically? I feel like I have forty bajillion different ones and I'm constantly locking myself out of my own accounts after too many incorrect attempts (cue my laptop flying out the window). Tell me...how do you keep track of your passwords?

I'd love to hear your tips & how you organize your important personal documents!

until next time,

g

Sarah Pinto Planners

Yep - another planner post! :)

Have you ever heard of Sarah Pinto? She is a working wife/mother/owner of a large dog and feels like she is always on the go. So! She designed these planners as a way to stay organized in a fun, but effortless way. They are 5"x7", printed on recycled paper with soy based ink, and are made in San Francisco. They contain a three year snapshot view, monthly view, notes pages, weekly view, special days, future planning, and a telephone/address section.

And they're $20!

Actually...the cute dog one above is currently on sale for only $10!

The best part about it all is this incredible cause

to which she donates a portion of her proceeds.

Check out her online shop here to see more!

until next time,

g

May Books

Have you ever heard of May Books?

{images via}

Mica May, a logo designer, was sick of ugly notebooks. So!...she designed her own. And now you can, too. You can customize your own 5x8" notebook with pattern, monogram/name style, and by type of inside pages. Right now you can choose between a 2012/2013 academic agenda, 2013 monthly agenda, non-dated weekly agenda, meal planner, wedding diary, bump diary, baby diary, dot grid, graph, lines, and blank pages. The binding is stitched with a canvas cover and they are $17 - $20. I've had such fun playing "designer" on the website; I want to buy them for all of my friends!

As the website states, 

"life is too short for ugly notebooks."

Start designing your very own custom notebook here.

***Also, be sure and check out the Rise School Art book design and the incredible cause it benefits.

until next time,

g

Organize with Russell + Hazel

whether you're heading back to school, starting a new job,

 or you're simply wanting a fresh start with your home or office life, 

now is a great time to get organized. 

(and russell + hazel is a personal favorite of mine to help get the job done!)

...

- shop here -

until next time,

g

Tips for Living in a Small Space

I thought I'd share some tips for living in a small space. (This is for you, Kate!) While I'm no expert on anything, I do have some experience with packing my entire life into a sardine can. Four years at boarding school, four years at college, and now nearly 5 years on an island have taught me a few survival skills.

I'm someone that likes stuff. I like pictures, I like interesting doo-dads, I like a home that feels lived-in and cozy. Thus, living with only furniture and no decoration is just not an option. 

I'm also an organizational freak. Things don't just have to be clean, they have to be tidy. I am certainly the product of my parents: a stubborn artist and a woman who taught me at an early age how to line up my shoes just right. :)

here are my tips:

1. Utilize vertical storage space. If you're limited with floor space, utilize the vertical. Tall shelves provide great storage and visually balance out a home where everything is at or below eye-level. Don't have enough room to store odds & ends on top of your dresser? Hang individual shelves.

2. Hooks, knobs, & ledges. Your closet may or may not fit your various coats, umbrellas, bags, belts, & hats. Stock up on a coat rack or over-the-door hooks. Have a designated place to hang your keys and keep incoming/outgoing mail. Otherwise, you'll walk in the door, throw everything on the one surface you have, and never find anything ever again. 

3. At least one lamp in every room. Your natural light may be limited if you're in a small place. And the overhead lights will make you feel like you're in an asylum. Nothing cozies up a home more than lamps. 

4. Hangers. Investing in good space-saving hangers is the way to go. I use the black velvet ones that snap together. 

5. Under-the-bed & under-the-sink storage. You're probably going to have to use under-the-bed storage. (Trust me, I long for the day when I don't have to!) Make sure it's actually a system that works. Don't put anything under there that you wear on an everyday basis. Think bulky sweaters and swimsuits. For under your kitchen sink, buy something like this. It expands and you can leave room for the drain pipe and still have two shelves to store cleaning supplies, etc. I don't know what I did before I had one!

6. Clean as you go. Instead of letting things get as messy as possible during the week, try and clean as you go. Put the shirt back in the closet before you leave in the morning. Make it a habit to have clean dishes and an empty sink before you go to bed. These little rituals will prevent the clutter from taking over your tiny place.

7. A place for all. Designate a place for everything from spare batteries to matches to your remote. If things are constantly changing homes, it's never going to feel clean and you're always going to be on the hunt for something.

8. Furniture that actually fits. Think about the space in your apartment and what would actually function the best. It can take a while, but hold out for the pieces that really fit and work in the space. For example, my kitchen is very narrow. I bought a long thin steel bar, normally used in restaurant kitchens, that provides the best functionality.

9. Furniture that acts as storage. Do you need a good coffee table or ottoman? Opt for one that has storage space for throw blankets, books, etc.

10. Make it yours. Not only do you want people to walk in your home and instantly see that it reflects you as a person, you want to feel at home where you live. Don't be afraid to decorate a small space for fear that it will leave things looking too cluttered. Give yourself a home that comforts and inspires you.

Although these pictures are a little outdated, you can see my apartment here and here.

until next time,

g

A Time to Clean Out Your Closet

If you live in a seasonal climate, you're well aware of the effects it has on your wardrobe.

In the summer, you're basically dressing with two goals in mind:

1. Don't die of heat stroke.

2. Don't sweat through your clothes, you filthy animal.

It doesn't really matter if it's cute, you just want something easy and lightweight, but not see-through. (trickier than you'd think, fellas) Winter is the opposite, obviously. The only clothes that really matter in winter? Outerwear. Invest in a good heavy coat and boots (and a pair of mittens, scarf, & a hat) and you're set for months. And since spring lasts for approximately 72 hours these days (and you're so tickled for 48 degrees, by that point, that you venture out without your coat and get a cold and spend those 72 hours indoors watching Ellen all hopped up on decongestants), that "season" is essentially obsolete.

So what does that leave us with?

fall!

The magical time of year of pumpkins, fire-colored leaves, crisp mornings, breezy nights, lightweight scarves, fleece blankets, football, denim, cider, corpulent catalogs & fashion magazines stuffed into your mailbox, and the welcoming reminder that although the transition occurs late in the calendar year, it truly evokes the feeling of the beginning of the cycle.

A time to start fresh.

A time to begin anew.

A time to clean out your closet.

First on the to-do list? Watch an episode of Hoarders. If that doesn't put you in the mood to clean and organize, I don't know what will.

Now it's time to go through and get rid of stuff. I blogged here about de-cluttering your closet and other areas in your home if you'd like to check it out.

Here are three separate tips about organizing your clothes.

1. Hangers matter. I'm going to risk sounding like Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, but wire hangers are just bad. Some heavy duty clothes will be completely fine on wire hangers, but a silk blouse? A thin sweater? A basic white tee? No, no, and no. Your clothes will have half the shelf life! And if you're like me and dealing with limited storage, wooden hangers just won't do.

My favorite hangers are these...

image via

...and they're sold here and here at BB&B

2. Organize by what makes sense in your life. When you're getting dressed, your first thought is not "am in a yellow mood?", it's "where am I going and what am I doing?" Think of how your wardrobe is divided naturally - with kids/with adults, at job/at home, office/weekend, school/work, day/night, normal/special occasion, etc.  Once you've divided it into how it makes sense for your schedule, separate by category: pants, skirts, blouses, etc. Then separate once more into specifics: jeans, dress pants, sleeveless, short-sleeve, long sleeve, etc. You get the point. It'll make your life much easier every morning when outfits are in their designated area. "I don't have anything to wear!" Oh, but ya do.

3. Don't forget about the other stuff - the gym clothes, the socks, the undergarments, the off-season clothes, the shoes, the accessories. Suggestions? Use drawer dividers like these. Use shelf organizers like these. Figure out the best way to store your shoes.

Now that you've purged your closet and organized what's left, it's time to get ready for a new season!

Since you're really in the in-between temperatures in fall, you have a lot of freedom to wear whatever you want. The key? Adding layers, adding texture, adding weight. Need inspiration? Blair Eadie has definitely mastered the layered-look. Here are summer trends that transition into fall, according to Refinery29. And here is my fabulous friend, Mimi, sporting some other summer-shifting-to-fall looks. (Isn't she cute?)

So there you have it - clean out the old to make room for the new.

I can smell a fresh season in the air...can you?

until next time,

g

Back to Life You Go

One of my very first posts was about planners. I'm someone that needs help keeping everything straight! Whether you're headed back to school, back to a busier life post-summer, back to juggling children with various schedules -- or even if you just need a good ol' kick in the pants about getting organized for the fall -- I want to show you something I think you'll like.

Erin Condren offers stylish & personalized Life Planners.

You can choose from covers like these:

+ more! In addition, there are other color options (some styles are even customizable) and you can add your own photo to the front. (And if you order now, you will receive the remaining months in 2011 inside the planner for free!)

a peek inside them:

other calendar options:

all images via

Need an address book? Check these out.

Getting married? Look at the adorable wedding planners!

Are you a teacher? Does having an organized yet stylish lesson planner sound nice? Click here.

The website also offers growth charts, iPad stickers, photo labels/cards, coaching pads, journals, stationery, invitations, note pads, calling cards, and so many more customizable goodies.

Click here to browse for yourself or someone you know.

until next time,

g

Rainy-Nowhere-to-Go-Day

today was like this:

{taken this morning at Starbucks}

It poured. 

all

day

long

 I'm not going to lie, though, I was in need of a rainy-nowhere-to-go-day. 

What did I spend most of my day doing? Let's just say that my apartment is so clean it's ridiculous. I'm not joking, you could eat off my floor. 

I think it's helpful to hear how others tackle certain chores so I wanted to share my favorite cleaning essentials:

1) Windex with vinegar is a great multi-surface cleaner

2) Pledge dust wipes

3) Murphy's Oil for hardwood floors

4) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

5) Swiffer - sweeper / dust & shine furniture spray

6) iClean for computer, cell phone, iPod, & TV

In need of a cleaning checklist? Here are free printables!

What fruit can help clean many different things? A lemon.

And what about all those cleaning jobs everybody hates? Like emptying the vacuum bag, cleaning out dead bugs in light fixtures, de-crumbing the toaster, cleaning ceiling-fan blades, disinfecting the kitchen trash can, dusting vents & radiators, cleaning behind the refrigerator, and scrubbing shower tiles? Real Simple has tips here.

Happy cleaning!

until next time,

g

Spring Organizing: Your Purse

Raise your hand if you have ever had trouble finding something in your purse.

Um, the little lady can see you and you didn't raise your hand.

Liar.

Every single time I approach my stoop to go home, I spend far too long finding my keys. It's like this mean little hide-and-seek game my purse likes to play that always ends up with me angrily shaking it until it coughs up whatever I'm looking for.

I've heard that to a man, a woman's purse is a mystery. And just so all you men know - to a woman, a woman's purse is a mystery. If you've never read the chapter "I Hate My Purse" from Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck, you need to. In fact, buy the book for your mom for Mother's Day if she hasn't already read it. The little lady promises you that she will love it.

Back to your purse. The holder of your entire life. Your keys, wallet, change purse, checkbook, cell phone, iPod, headphones, lipstick, chapstick, gum, Tic Tacs, tissues, hand sanitizer, compact mirror, floss, sewing kit, umbrella, sunglasses, camera, snack, water bottle, agenda, books, magazines, business cards, mail, hair ties, manicure kit, super glue, sugar packets, bug spray, sunscreen, hand lotion, feminine products, Advil, notepads, drawing pads, bobby pins, bandaids, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, white out, deodorant, minature flashlight, perfume, nail polish remover pads, tape, safety pins, tiny photo album, minature screw driver, etc.

You just never know!

Bottom line: a purse never has enough places to put things.

Do not fear - the little lady is here!

(Can I put that on a t-shirt?)

Check out the Etsy store, Samorga.

Nifty little purse organizers!

images via

To shop, click here.

until next time,

g

Spring Organizing: Your Desk

Despite Mother Nature toying with our hopes right now, it is indeed spring -
and therefore time to do one of the things I love most.

Organize!

No seriously, I love it. You can ask any roommate I've had in boarding school, college, NYC. I take great pleasure in removing everything out of my closet/shelves/bookcases and re-folding/re-organizing. It's very therapeutic. If I were a character on "Friends", I'd be Monica. And just like Monica, I probably drove those aforementioned roommates absolutely crazy.

I make a million lists and I insist on having a place for all items in my life; I require many boxes, folders, bags, pouches, other spaces in which to store things. I realize that this is a sign of perhaps over-compartmentalizing my life in some obsessive compulsive way, but let's be honest, we're all a little screwy.

First thing on the list to organize? Your desk. Having an organizational system on your desk is conducive to productivity, but it's also important to really enjoy and find inspiration & happiness in your work area. Here are some favorites to help organize and brighten your desk. They also make great gift ideas!

Russell & Hazel

shop here

acrylic collator - $40

pencil set - $35

jotters set - $16

 mini binder - $16

one day at a time - $30

quips + queries set - $24

signature three-ring - $24

all images from here

Dabney Lee
shop/personalize here

monogrammed catch all - $40

                personalized desk pad -$65                         

                          

personalized fill-in planner - $55

personalized rolodex - $75

all images from here

Container Store

shop here

large sliding drawer organizer - currently on sale for $5.99

semikolon document box - $17.99 ea

stainless steel magnetic wall pocket - $21.99

synchronicity stockholm magazine file - $10.99 ea

acrylic desktop file - $24.99 ea

all images from here

Sometimes it's helpful to see other offices/desks for inspiration. Check out the office of one of my favorite bloggers, Jen Ramos, here. It's so cheery! I would love to have a room like that one day. Please note the card on her inspiration board:

"Life is too short to dance with ugly men." :)

Happy spring organizing!

until next time,

g