5 Steps to Getting Organized with The Glamorous Housewife

I had the great pleasure of being featured on the lovely site The Glamorous Housewife, curated by the charming and oh-so-creative Bethany Herwegh. Her affection for domestic style and culture is nostalgic and fresh all at once. Take some time to get acquainted with her site if you haven’t yet been introduced.

Clutter can sometimes feel like it has all-omnipotent powers over your lifestyle. It’s by far the number one thing my clients complain of. I understand the struggle in conquering the clutter—I have collected so many important relics in travel, love and life over the years. However, it’s important to live in a space that allows for a livable, breathable flow. I’ve found a few steps that have helped me and my clients simplify to create space for new life.

Click HERE to continue reading my article at The Glamourous Housewife

Organization ≠ Minimalism

Although I’ve been boasting a more minimal approach to removing clutter and organizing your living space, let’s be clear here, I do not think they are the same thing. While it is so beneficial and often needed, whittling your things down to the bare minimum does not always induce functionality and pure sweet sweet joy. Do what you can to eliminate the extra items that are holding you back, but by all means USE those things that make the cut!

It’s really all about simply getting use out of the things you already own. Pick them up, take them out, wear them, tie them, display them—give them the job you originally intended! You might be surprised at how many things you already own that could be utilized and reimagined in new ways.  I like to take sentimental pieces and items that still contain that momentum and magic that I was once drawn and create a special display or shrine (if I may be so bold). This way I see it often, I acknowledge these things and carry gratitude with me as I go about my day. How do YOU display those special pieces that get you through the day and move you forward? Share below! 

just pick it up!

We forget sometimes that organization doesn’t always have to be a lengthy chore. Sure, it might take some time to begin, but once you find a home for your things, it can be quite simple and is worth the initial efforts.

We’ve talked about minimalism, decluttering and the like—how did it go? If you missed my 2-week challenge to follow Marie Kondo’s advice to go down a path of joyful purging, that’s a good place to get started.

When you begin, I recommend taking everything out into the center of the room. Whether you are working on a room or a specifically overgrown area of clutter, this is an essential step. Once you’ve got a heaping sum, don’t put anything away until you’ve decided on a specific home for the item. Do detailed work here; really find a place that will be easy to access and that feels like the right space for your things. Continue through your whole home to attain a complete peace of mind that transcends each room. There is no better feeling than when everything is rightfully returned and put away.

In time, you’ll realize how fun organization can be! If you do the hard work once, returning items to their rightful homes is a manageable task that can bring so much satisfaction when you consistently return your living space to a joyful, livable space. 

New Season = New Blog Design

Along with a new season which brings with it a promise of new life, fresh growth and fragrant charm, I’ve decided to give the blog a new look, infused with paper cranes—a Japanese symbol of love and hope. Three years ago I came across the legend of 1,000 cranes, my father served a LDS mission in Japan and he introduced it to me. At the time it was a helpful reminder of the power of intention. The tradition follows the Japanese belief that cranes are sacred and in folding 1,000 paper cranes, you will receive a wish. Whether it be long life, health, happiness, etc., I felt that I needed a large gesture of faith to set my life in motion. I began to diligently produce one paper crane after another with the intention of meeting a counterpart that would challenge me, support me, and who I could return all the love I knew I was capable of giving.

I began with every color and pattern you can imagine and sat for hours imbuing each crease with love, a true spirit of hope and patience. The diligence with which I fulfilled the task renewed a sense of commitment, inspired creativity and a flux of energy. I wanted to be ready for anything. I would be ready for anything. I wanted to fulfill my purpose and attract and receive what the universe had to offer. I hung them above my bed and stared at them each night, reminded of the joy they brought as a process, as well as what I hoped to come as a result of my endeavors.

Later that year, I met Jake my sweet sweet hubby. As you all know, I think pretty highly of him, and he has truly been a symbol of how worthwhile a commitment to love, hope and moving forward each day can be. Hence, our new look and my constant challenge to my readers and followers to take one day at a time and approach the hard tasks that life brings with love, faith and commitment. I hope you all enjoy our new look!

2- Week Challenge Part 2: What About Books?

Last week we posed a challenge to incorporate Marie Kondo’s life-changing minimalist approach to your early spring pick up! How does it feel to be clothed in items that only bring joy? Leave a comment and let us know how it went! Kondo’s book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Art of Decluttering and Organizing has been inspirational for me and I’m excited to approach week two: books!

This is a great time of year to pull those books off the shelf. I know that summer reading is such an important part of my vacations and travel time. It’s also a great time to encourage a summer reading program with your kids. So, let’s get to it, organizing Kondo style:

1.  First of all, take down every book from every shelf and make one giant pile. For Kondo, taking the books off of the shelves helps to waken them up and restore life to them. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has books that I haven’t touched or thought about for years.
2. Now the task of picking up each book, one at a time. DOES IT BRING YOU JOY? We learned how to do this in week one. Even if you feel silly, it’s essential to the process of transforming your space into a lighter and ultimately more joyful environment.
3. Viola! Sit back and marvel at your old new friends. Make a calendar for a family reading program and remember, don’t hold onto your books out of guilt or fear of waste. If it doesn’t bring you joy, it could very well bring someone else joy!  Give your old books a new life by immediately gifting or donating. You may find that as you ask the question “does this bring me joy?” a close friend or relative might come to mind. Pass along with love! We could all use a little more joy in our lives.  

two week challenge

In 2014, Marie Kondo released the English translation of the universally acclaimed The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Art of Decluttering and Organizing. The heart of this transcendent book lies in one simple question: does this item spark joy? With that nod to Japanese minimalism, Kando challenges her readers to look and think differently at the home and the items that surround us. She promises that if you properly simplify and organize your home, you’ll never have to do it again.

Chapter by chapter, she teaches that the simple, yet time-consuming act of de-cluttering material possessions is a proven method to achieve happiness and personal Zen. As you change the relationship with the stuff you own, your own happiness will start to grow, bringing joy, fresh air, and positive energy to the process of tidying up.

“KonMari’s” big picture lifestyle is part of my professional approach and has inspired me to ask each of my clients: is your stuff propelling you forward or holding you back?

I have accepted her challenge. This book has kindled the organizational spark within me and I can’t wait to share my personal journey with each of you. So come, follow along, and join me. Share your pictures and comments, tweet your insights, and pin your progress.

Here’s my two-week challenge to you:

Week 1: tackle and de-junk clothes, socks, underwear, bags, and purses. (Oh, and if you haven't already, pick up Kondo’s amazing book of course!)

Week 2: books.

'What's in Your Car?!'

My car organization consists of: - car kleenex - car wet ones - hand lotion - hair shine - travel kleenex - hand wind flashlight - yummy gum - extra phone charger - tide stick - to-go doggie bowl - paper and pens - bobby pins - extra car smellies from bath and body works - mustache care kit for my sweet hubby and my favorite  - mommy hooks for when we are bringing in groceries What is in your car?