Giveaway Announcement and Ways to Enter!

It's time for a giveaway! First here's a little info into my first giveaway prize. In my recent Monday Morning Organization Inspiration video, if you missed it you can watch it below, I talked about ditching those to do lists and replacing them with some good positive intentions to start your day. Sticking to a regimented schedule can sometimes cause more stress, as we are trying so hard to stick to our daily to do lists. By simply stating your intention for the day you are opening it up to what you plan on accomplishing as well as going with the flow as your day begins to unfold. Make it positive, share it and acknowledge it. The power of intention is realistic and helps us point ourselves in the right direction as our daily lives can sometimes become chaotic. 

I'm giving away this bright colored clip board with a note pad and pen to write down your daily intentions, or you can always use it for your grocery list! Once the pages are gone you will have the clipboard to hold notes, appointments or menu plans. The spring colors are my favorite part of this giveaway item!

Also included in the giveaway is a 4 tier clip hanger for skirts, pants, even socks or tights! A must for a tidy closet. Make some space in your closet, help to organize it and prevent items from slipping! 

Here's how to enter ~

Share this blog post giveaway with friends on your Facebook page and leave a comment right here on my blog, or on the Organized for Life FB page letting me know you shared it! The winner will be chosen at random on Monday March 4th in the a.m. Good luck! 

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Tween Room Decorating on a Budget!

By far the most fun and creative project in our home, transforming Jenna's room from little girl to tween! When we moved into our home my stepdaughter Jenna was 7 years old. Her room was filled with lots of purple and pink polka dots on the walls and a Hannah Montana bed set. Her kitchen set and doll house were displayed and there were a mountain of toys and coloring books in bins inside her closet. Fast forward 5 years later and at 12 things have changed. She's still fun loving and has an extraordinary imagination, but just as Hannah Montana has left the building so have Jenna's coloring books. She plays the guitar and loves music. She's drawn to themes of Paris, peace signs and butterflies. Her crayons have been replaced with lip gloss. Her desk is now for studying and of course still some doodling! I am a big believer in incorporating what you love into a space. It allows for personal growth and inspires you. Our spaces can transform and mature as we do but one thing should never change and that is adding your own creativity and touches of what you love. Here's some pictures of her new room with of course lots of organization as well as creativity. The whole project came in under $150, so switching up a space does not have to cost a fortune!

Creating a desk space in her closet was simple! After we purged through old clothing  and removed the toys we were left with an empty space to create this nook! We used a desk we already owned and then added in the details. The picture boxes within the shelving on her desk I found at Michael's for $1 a piece to hold her photos, pens and pencils. The wall decals and curtain I picked up at Target for under $20! The bins on the top shelf are filled with arts and crafts supplies. 

My favorite part of the room! Contact paper added some depth and fun to this otherwise boring bookshelf. The bins were found at the Dollar Store and we used the remaining decals from her closet to give them some character. Jenna picked out the finishing touches on the book shelf and wall from Hobby Lobby, and created her own memory cork board with her favorite photos. 

We were going for a daybed look so we removed the headboard, added a cozy comforter and lots of pillows! The details we added in from the song note mural to quotations on the wall all emphasize the theme of the room. These were found at Target and Hobby Lobby, all coming under $20!

It's always in the details! Contact paper added some life to the bedside table and we couldn't pass up this trash can! It's filled with butterflies to accent the wall decor. 

The ceiling to floor wall accent we came across at the Container Store for $9.99, this tied into the room so well! While in some cases custom framing may be needed, getting the same look is simple. We framed the Beatles picture with a poster frame picked up at Walmart. 

Added a little edge to this mirror with a skull and cross bones decal!

Before and after! Who needs a new tv stand? Easily switched this one up by removing the doors and adding some contact paper! Her gaming  items are stored neatly in the bins and easy to put back! 

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Measuring Success with Sincerity

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it." ~ Maya Angelou

Success is derived from the meaning "accomplishment of desired end." So what is that desired end and how is it measured? Maybe the idea that once you get that promotion you will have more money, acquire more material things and in turn be seen as successful. Or once you land that client you will have truly achieved success, can afford to take greater risks and buy that larger home. These examples seem superficial however they are ideals and thoughts that from time to time we place on ourselves in an effort to measure our accomplishments on a grander scale. They support the idea that success is measured in terms of the material things we can collect once we achieve success. The accumulation of possessions and material wealth. So what if we put aside for a moment that the idea of achieving success doesnt lie in the ability to have an abundance of things but rather the abundance of moments? That being successful is going after what you truly enjoy in life. Abundance thrives in those that are living in their truth, and being honest about what they love. Success is then measured by what we have accomplished in terms of the sincerity in our means to achieve it.  

Quality over Quantity

The quality of our relationships and the measure and quality of our character. Shifting your intentions of desired success over to the ideals that are consistent with acquiring healthy relationships or giving back to the community. Realizing that material things do not define you, they can come and go but your character and intentions remains. True success then becomes measured in the moments that define you and your gifts you've decided to show the world. 

I believe we all desire success, it is inherent in human nature. I also believe we all have the desire to do what we love. To show the world we have a gift. Having the determination, courage and drive to share your gift with the world will measure how successful you are. Decide to let go of false beliefs that the materialistic things you have acquired is measuring your success. Once you realize that the foundation and intentions to which you built your success are most important you will truly have achieved it.

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Creative Storage and Adding Tranquility to your Bathroom

My latest storage solution for my bathroom is complete! Lacking a linen closet and limited draw space prompted me to get a bit creative. By utilizing a dresser to store towels and toiletries I was able to solve this storage dilemma, as well as add some character and calm to the space. My bathroom is a bit narrow so having the dresser positioned across from the sink, to avoid crowding up floor space, was the best place for it. I am loving the function it brought to the bathroom as well as the fresh new look! The details, from my decor choices to the organizing ideas, are below!

I have a subtle beach themed bathroom and filled up a glass vase with some seashells and baby blue colored marbles for added decor. The yellow and white faux flowers in the vase brightened up the space as well. Adding candles for a soothing scent and calming effect is a must in a bathroom! 

I love these wicker storage baskets from Pier One! Hand towels are now easily accessible on top of the dresser. Just a little hint, rolling hand towels as a folding option is a great way to optimize space, add some visual impact and avoids a stack pile-up!

The top drawer is home to some of my everyday essentials from lotion and hair products to my jewelry cleaner and make-up remover. The individual plastic draw organizers with handles, as well the basket, separate the essentials. Draw organizers are an easy solution for separating like items in a bathroom to find items easily and will save you time! 

My towels are stored in the lower drawers. By using the tri-fold method I am able to store 6 towels to a draw! For instructions on the best method to folding your towels check out this link!

 Always be mindful of the fact that the bathroom is one of the best spaces in your home to invite organization as well as tranquility. Hoping this idea has inspired you to incorporate these simple solutions into your bathroom and throughout your home!
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Creating Entryway Bliss ~ Begin at the Door.

Consider your entryway as setting the tone for how you want to feel when you step inside your home.  Whether you're leaving for the day or walking into the house after a long day, embrace your entryway. Make it "entrancing" regardless of the size, allowing you to pause and reflect on the day you are beginning or ending. Bring into that space organization, function, simplicity and most important incorporate objects you love. Here are some ways to get started with examples from my own entryway.

When you walk into my home you are immediately faced with our coat closet, within a small entryway. This beautiful wooden plaque above the closet was given to us by friends when my husband and I returned from our honeymoon. I couldn't think of a better place to display it. Think in terms of objects that are inspiring and uplifting when deciding which pieces will function well in the entrance. Consider quotes you love or messages that will inspire you throughout your day. As you enter our living room just around the corner, which is to be considered the more personal space, I have a collage of my favorite photos. Note the importance of simplicity and clearing away clutter within your entryway.

Making this small entryway functional and clutter free was as simple as getting it down to only the necessities. The leather storage ottoman below the lamp holds my husband's shoes, and doubles as a seat. Inside our closet I added the storage bins and labeled them his and hers. During the winter months hats and gloves are stored away in the bins. If you have a large family creating a bin for each family member is a great way to keep items from becoming lost, or consider an over the door organizer to personalize. If you have limited space it's always best to change out the closet through the seasons which will help curb clutter.

Hanging your keys from a key holder is one of the best ways to avoid losing them and will save you time when running out the door. This can be placed near the entrance or within an entryway closet.













An entryway that is cluttered and blocked will cause psychological blocking. Start with your entrance to unblock yourself mentally and begin your day feeling refreshed and ready. Allow yourself and others to feel good when walking into your home and allow that energy to flow throughout the whole house.

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Inspiration to Create a Perfectly Organized Closet

Consider this a photo recap of just a few of my projects from 2012, with the intention to allow you to become inspired within your own homes beginning with the closet. Always remember your space is a part of your life and journey, meant to tell a story about yourself and those you share your home with. Every piece counts. Creating simplicity, organization and getting creative with incorporating the things you love into that space is so important! Maybe you are considering installing new shelving systems, similar to those pictured on the left. Maybe you're just starting the purging process or strolling through stores looking into options for becoming better organized. Regardless of the inspiration you find keep one thing in mind- keep it simple and take it one step at a time! 

Uniform hangers will make a world of difference in your closets as well as the right baskets, bins and shoe organizers. Before heading to stores EVALUATE what you have and what you will be letting go of to determine what is needed in terms of storage. It can be overwhelming to see so many different ways to store items, however having a clear vision for your closet space depends on the time put into maximizing the space!  

Utilize space saving uniform hangers and colorize your denim as well as tops and bottoms! This is a time saver when getting dressed. 

The hanger difference! Before and after!

Before

After

Items I used to give the shelving a little boost and incorporate organization- basket and bin from Target and my favorite Martha Stewart labels from Avery.  Take the initiative to work through those sweaters, tank tops and t-shirts that are taking up shelving space!                                                                 Store them, colorized, in baskets to save yourself time. Use labels to identify the contents!
                         

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Yes you can use shelving for shoes! The shelving units shown here, in the top right photo, are from Ikea. Perfect solutions to display heels! Once the shoe boxes were gone I was able to maximize the space by using over the door shoe organizers as well as pant hangers to hang the boots. Keep it colorized and like with like to easily grab and go. 

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My Small Closet Transformation for Less Than $30! Small Closet with a Skinny Budget? Read on!

For the past 5 months I decided to donate or toss one thing every week, beginning with my closet. I had visions of myself running out of items to part with and no idea how it was going to go. Turns out the simplicity of it all has been such a great tool for zoning in on what matters. Freeing yourself of items you have no use for completely changes a room, or an entire home. Visions I had for my closet space were now possible and the idea that all of my clothing and accessories are being used is a great feeling. I had a goal in mind and feel as though I was able to achieve it. My clothing and shoes now fits perfectly well inside my armoire. The best part of it? I love the space. We all owe it to ourselves to make our favorite spaces come to life. Here's what I did to create it once I got down to the basics.

I love a blank slate. Almost like an artist, working with a blank canvas, it helps stir creativity. After removing everything from my small closet I was able to see how I would want it to function. Clutter will clutter up your head, by freeing up the space it allows creativity to flow and gives you a different perspective on your possibilities for the space.

After heading to the stores and picking up some storage solutions I was able to stay under $30. This small closet transformation was going to be created on a skinny budget! Common misconception that organization is pricey. Not true! Re-purpose items and spend $0! Or be on the lookout for storage containers that are durable and inexpensive.

Starting on the top shelf I utilized the empty space above the wire shelving for flats and accessories. Those great labels you see are actually clip on dry erase labels. If at any time I'd like to switch the contents all I have to do is erase! The white shelves you see are shoe shelves, perfect for maximizing space!

Fishing through piles of t-shirts is not fun. Having them placed in bins by color is a quick and easy way to find what you need. I used the tri fold method by simply folding the shirt in three and placed it facing up so that the fabric and color is visible. Time saver when getting dressed, and I realized I do not need anymore white long sleeved shirts!

During my donating and tossing I also zoned in on my morning routine and habits. I noticed I always am applying make-up in my room, so it made perfect sense to move the make-up from the bathroom to the bedroom closet! Creating a space that will function within you and your family's routine is another time saver. With one side of the closet empty I utilized an old book shelf we had in the basement to create an accessory/make-up area. All it took was two cork boards, some push pins and some muscle to get the book shelf up the stairs :)

Getting my costume jewelry down to only what I love was a task, but completely worth it! I used soap dishes to hold the rings and bottles to stack up the bangles. Everything is visible, separated by type and once again a time saver when deciding on the finishing touches to an outfit. 

I love these hanging organizers I picked up at Home Goods that resemble the shape of a flower! I used them for hanging extra necks. They can be used for sunglasses, scarves and bags as well. 

My make-up is stored in small compartments by category. Brushes are together, and lip gloss and mascara. The eye shadow holders you see were once used for sprinkles to decorate cakes! Re-use, re-purpose! I made sure I left some space to add in a small stool so that I can apply make-up and accessorize within the space. 

A bookshelf has so many possibilities! From holding shoes and bins of clothing to accessories I decided to use the book shelf to store my clutches, bags, bangles and earrings. The bins I picked up (for $1 each!) have separated compartments. Worked out great for the jewelry! On a side note those also work wonders for socks and undergarments!

Regardless of the space you have to work with always start by getting down to the basics. From there getting creative with how you store your items and having fun with setting up the space is the best part. I am dedicated to maintaining my new closet space and  hope I have inspired all of you to take the journey toward living with less clutter and truly enjoying the space!

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