Back to School—A 3 Step “Pre” Introductory

This may seem a little early to get into back to school mode, but planning as far enough ahead as you are able will make the chaos of changing schedules come so much easier!  I’m sure you can all guess what I’m going to say next—start your children off right with an organized backpack! I can’t stress this enough. Teaching your children to stay organized from day one is key in staying on top of schoolwork throughout the year and allows them to be stress free when looking for school items and assignments. It will make school so much more fun.

1.     Get a separate binder with blank paper and labeled tabs for each subject. I can never stress labels enough—label everything!

2.     Have a pencil holder with all of the writing supplies, scissors, erasers etc. that your child will need. Teachers usually send a supply list home, but you can shop for a pencil case now. I love this one from Target, but there will be sales galore come August.

3.     Get a planner or a small notebook and teach your child how to track homework assignments as they come and check them off as they finish. This will help them in the long run, but this is also a great habit for parents and caretakers. You will know exactly what needs to be done and how to help your children finish and succeed this upcoming year.

Let this small guide be a starter as you start thinking about the upcoming year. When you start shopping, remember to pick up items that make your children excited to learn. Shopping with your children is a great way to ensure that they will have everything they need and will involve them in their own learning process—this can only help set them up for success!

Organized Snacking with 3 Simple Tips

Guess what everyone? It’s National Junk Food Day!! I give you permission to indulge a little today. While the origin of this mischievous “unofficial” holiday cannot be traced, why not celebrate those snacks that get you through long days at work, school, or weekday vegging with serial television? But let’s bring an organized and orderly approach to this nutritiously liberal day. Here are 3 tips to help you organize your snacking.

1.     First of all, I believe in making snacking as simple as possible. Keep your snacks grouped together and easily accessible. I try to put healthy snacks within children’s reach and organized by category.

2.     For those snacks that come in boxes and tend to be spilled more times than not, try tearing off the lid of the box so it’s easier for sharing. This helps children too—it’s a lifesaver on road trips!

3.     If you have a favorite household snack that is replenished often, invest in bins that you can designate and label. This makes storing backups a no-brainer!

What's in your purse?

Alright, are we ready to open the proverbial floor on a subject relevant to approximately 50% of the human population? I say, let’s at least bite into it! I want to give you just a few things to remember when organizing your purse.

·       I am a huge advocate for extra bags. Incorporate bags within bags if you need to. A small bag placed inside your big bag can save you time and helps to keep you from losing things. This method literally saves me on a daily basis. For example: have a small bag for jewelry so you don’t lose it and so it will also stay protected. Here’s another one: A bag or durable envelope for receipts. This will make going through your finances daily or weekly so quick and easy! One last thing: keep a separate bag or zip clutch for your gift cards and coupons. When I cram them in my wallet, I lose them, or worse, they come tumbling free at an untimely moment.

·       Anytime while you’re out and think of something that you wish you had, remember to add it to your purse that evening. The goal is to create a perfectly curated bag that keeps you prepared and organized.

·       Clean out your purse nightly. Ok, at least weekly. This is hard, but it helps keep the weight of a quickly accumulating catchall manageable. Let’s not add EVERYTHING, but be mindful and prepared.

·       Clean out your purse completely when switching to a new bag. Just do it. It’s always a bad idea to leave anything in an old purse.

·       Keep a snack in your bag ladies and gentleman! You never know what the day will bring and this keeps me from pulling off at the nearest Wendy’s.

·       As previously mentioned in my “On theRoad” post, always pack an extra phone charger. I like to have one inside my purse in addition to a car charger.

The Skeletons in your Closet

While hangers may be the last thing on your mind when cleaning and organizing your closets, I strongly suggest you take a moment to consider the basic step of selecting the right hanger. Like in any craft, you must take the time to prepare with a base layer— the “bones” of your project. Why should organizing your closet be any different? Here are some of my personal hanger tips, along with a strong urge to prepare your canvas for a beautiful and, more importantly, functional closet.

·       Slotted Hangers (Hangers with Divots): I love these for tank tops and strappy things. However, they don’t always treat t-shirts and sweaters kindly. Be selective and match your clothing to the right hanger.

·       Pant Hangers: I love these plastic pant hangers for skirts and pants alike. They keep them wrinkle free, considering you don’t crowd them too tight!

·       Non-slip Hangers: These function as a catchall for most other items in your closet—excluding tight necked clothing. If it is hard to get the clothing on or off of the hanger then use your everyday plastic hanger with no divots. Non-slip hangers are a little tricky; I suggest you invest in a nicer brand. If you get a non-slip hanger that is too cheap, they will start to wear off on your clothing. My all-time favorite non-slip hangers are the Joy Mangano ones. Find them on the Home Shopping Network or at Target. I swear by these. Go get them, now!

·       Suit Hangers: These may see like an unnecessary investment, but it will pay off in the long run. Suits and heavy coats are clothing items that need a little more special attention. Treat them right and they’ll keep you looking sharp for years! I like these from Target.

·       Don’t forget to just use regular old hangers for tight neck shirts and or sweaters to make getting ready in the morning that much easier! If putting the item on a non-slip hanger is more difficult than helpful, don’t use it!

A Guide to life “On the Road”

I get the pleasure of writing from the road this week! I am lucky to be able to work with clients across several states because I love to travel. I thrive on being on the run; I’ll be it, if not as glamourous as Beyoncé and my man Jay, hopefully just as organized. My obvious solution to making my life away from home as easy as possible is planning ahead and organizing the essentials to be efficient, comfortable, and convenient. I find that the extra time spent making sure the journey is smooth translates into extra brain power and a healthier lifestyle. I spend a lot of time on the road. I mean, A LOT—let me take you through my process of preparing for the trek:

First of all, snacks—I load up on healthy snacks each time I know I’ll be away.  This not only saves money, but is an easy extra step to keep me eating healthy throughout the day. For those of you who need your energy when you’re out on the open road adventuring, here’s what I suggest:

·      Coconut water: great to help boost hydration

·      COLD water: (hydration is a big one for me), but I have to drink it cold. I bring ice packs along so there are no excuses.

·      Cheese and crackers: great for a quick boost in energy. I love breaking them out in the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up.

·      Hard boiled eggs: Excellent source of protein and so easy to prepare in advance.

·      Natural fruit leather: Duh! These are such a treat.

·      Dried tart cherries: Simple and delicious.

·      Nuts:  heart-healthy fats and proteins that pack a lot of energy.

The right shoes and accessories are another thing that planning beforehand really makes a big difference. I am very particular about what goes on my feet. Comfort is non-negotiable and I need to be able to move, chase, and remove easily. I never know if I’m going to be lifting or climbing—it gets tricky when you don’t always know what you’re in for. I love Birkenstocks—they’re a great option for a sandal that is supportive, but also flaunts effortless style. A great pair of tennies are another obvious go to. I have both of these options at all times and usually multiple pairs. This also applies to my love of sunnies! I keep at least one pair in my purse or around me at all times.

Another item that I suggest you make the investment in is extra chargers for your phone and iPad. I work remotely and I’ve eliminated any chance of running out of juice by making sure I stock up on these. I have three with me before leaving home: one for my car (this one stays put), one for my purse (the key is to be as mobile as possible), and one that I pack to plug in wherever I am staying. Staying charged up all day is a necessary evil in my case, and having a couple extra power sources at all times has saved me on several occasions.

I find that if I check off the items on this list, I’m set for whatever comes my way. Other problems that come up are much easier to manage if I have the basics covered. How do you plan for your summer adventures?

Shoes: A Necessary Divide

Shoes are an easy place to start as you endeavor to REVAMP your home! I’ve outlined four extremely simple solutions to help give you a jumping off point. Even if you only have time for one aspect of organization, take some time to give your shoes some much needed breathing room. It will put you on the right path. I’ve chosen to organize shoes by category— let’s DIVE IN!

1.     Flats: Small cubbies work great here. They fit with no fuss or damage to your shoes and allow you to see your shoes clearly.

2.     Sandals: Bins! You know I’m going to promote a bin. I like to have one for nicer sandals and one for flip flops.

3.     Boots: Did you catch my post on pool noodles? Stand these straight up so they aren’t crunched and deformed. I like my boots to be more visible, so I stand them along a wall, on a shelf, across the back of the closet…you get it.

4.     Tennis shoes/Vans and slip ons: I like to use shelves for this style of shoe. Remember to put one show facing forward and one facing back to create more space.

This is a great project to handle, even if you are busy this weekend. Consider tackling simple shoe organization in between bbqs, bonfires and summer waves.

Print It, Post It, Live it: Welcome a More Organized Summer

A bright and WARM welcome to our beautiful, illuminating, and nourishing summer season! Historically, summer solstice has been celebrated with bonfires, dancing, sacrifices, lighting candles, sending out wishes and generally absorbing inspiration from the muse. How have you invited light and abundance into your life these first few days of the new season?

Although we’ve reached the longest days of the year, the months of summer never fail to wash over me and my busy schedule and I find myself feeling regret for not making time for my summer exploits. This year, I plan to change that by doing what I do best—adding a dose of organized planning to the mix before it slips away. The perfect partner to help me do just that is the wonderfully creative design genius Alexi Bullock—she helps us take our plans from intention to function! Speaking of muses, enter Alexi. She has such flawless taste and is always coming up with something eye catching, yet graceful. Please check out her blog and prepare to be amazed! She has put together a summer to-do list that will surely give you style cred, while allowing you to see this list daily. Hang it on your fridge, post it above your desk, and share it with everyone you know!

Using simple tools like this are just one way to aid in organizing your life and opening up to what’s really important. From there, it’s up to you to stay true to your plan. If the rest of your life is organized, you’re more likely to approach your hobbies without feeling guilty and make time for the events that enrich your life. What’s on your summer bucket list? Don’t have one yet? Your first activity could be printing out one of Alexi’sfree printable lists and sit down with your family to get input and plan your summer or brainstorm what you’d like to do most. Get as specific as possible; what are the exact dates that you plan to take that picnic or hike to that waterfall you’ve always wanted to see?

Here is a sneak preview to some of my personal bucket list items:

•      Visit the Utah State Fair with my family
• ·       Join my brother Austin in Atlanta for his Army graduation
• ·       Float Provo River
• ·       Do the zip line at Sundance Resort
• ·       Disneyland
• ·       Finish 2 books
• ·       Celebrate my husband’s birthday on Catalina island
• ·       Hike Mt. Timpanogos at sunrise

This year, I’m going to get a magnet from each place I visit for my fridge to hang the pictures from the journey as proof that I’m living it up. How will you document your adventures??