Organizing Update

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://covetedhome.com/modern-traditional/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieB8bBN7Eenc-n2cbZzGOhYLowgXiq3BUjUv8YvywZaQfrRQskXC9H4N3OJpLHTHVg2IcKvtEFjQilEbBQ5f3vNz_n3XkILVFWzQhCi85G2MC11drUZhqehGPsWmeukCxUFr46OAYn85w/s1600/de54799301e065bc84e83642396c4136.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of organizing </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm still in the thick of it with my organizing.  It's a sloooowwww process when you have little ones at home.  My progress is completely contingent on nap schedules and how many snacks my children need in a given hour.  (The day they scream <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bMs04JK0BQ">"Ma! The Meatloaf!"</a> I'm out.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGZwGCprVtf4v54DA8S-ySZNTbCkqD_mvSLIwiRPY2m2zkv60BmfsNG_mdx-0C-N47Nw8MapHzAxyl8X088QPf-fRBgmBfIhUUU_OMGoNnyLcRvSHEj7MPyUHOBofu1FtXDJQn0XRyk/s1600/Tn-500_jimcarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGZwGCprVtf4v54DA8S-ySZNTbCkqD_mvSLIwiRPY2m2zkv60BmfsNG_mdx-0C-N47Nw8MapHzAxyl8X088QPf-fRBgmBfIhUUU_OMGoNnyLcRvSHEj7MPyUHOBofu1FtXDJQn0XRyk/s1600/Tn-500_jimcarter.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would give anything to have Mr. Carson live with me.  I don't like to let silly terms like "fictional characters" get in the way of my dreams, but this might be one I have to let go.  So instead, I turned to another expert: </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI8mWX9cBGnkSAl3QKrhCgH0LzyQvrpA7He7v867uRJzw5ND1BsgPewgwndGgZoshEV_TnbHTLlf3qA1Rks-PmDkIjX81uHuA2yxwA9Ghs7QVSCWxJwwW8ElrWdoCcWI2YbVjTSOWndw/s1600/978-1-60774-730-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI8mWX9cBGnkSAl3QKrhCgH0LzyQvrpA7He7v867uRJzw5ND1BsgPewgwndGgZoshEV_TnbHTLlf3qA1Rks-PmDkIjX81uHuA2yxwA9Ghs7QVSCWxJwwW8ElrWdoCcWI2YbVjTSOWndw/s1600/978-1-60774-730-7.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I started reading the incredibly popular book, <a href="http://tidyingup.com/">"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up"</a> by Marie Kondo. The whole idea behind the book is to surround yourself with only those things that spark joy, and during that process you have to bid the things that don't spark joy a literal farewell.  </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's totally kookoo for cocopuffs, except it's not.  In fact, I find myself nodding as I read and quietly whispering, "Yeesss, That's right." Once I started the process of asking whether or not a particular item sparks joy, I was all "Holy Oprah! I get it!!!"  It's an easy, quick read, too. <br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dt512Xw218nthz4pvq0OiLpToFGbUSbl_Uw5_n_vX6Ob7IHQ6S7e85Rdj_vhgmv12yVjKjrB64tx_bnNZ2NQp9QicE3UYUUtCEfDr2oWM0IK7_vz4VgQLsYeuE3EHf6jhPhn_JNt6-0/s640/blogger-image-1331171041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dt512Xw218nthz4pvq0OiLpToFGbUSbl_Uw5_n_vX6Ob7IHQ6S7e85Rdj_vhgmv12yVjKjrB64tx_bnNZ2NQp9QicE3UYUUtCEfDr2oWM0IK7_vz4VgQLsYeuE3EHf6jhPhn_JNt6-0/s640/blogger-image-1331171041.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />Dare I say, I am a Konvert (had to).  I have successfully gone through my closet and while I maybe have 5 outfits now, I can tell you, they all bring me joy AND are really the only things I wear anyway.<br /><br />I also have 9 bags of perfectly good clothes ready to go to a local thrift shop, which supports a domestic violence shelter. And I've gone through all of my jewelry and delivered a box of pretty things for a formal wear drive for low-income students to go to prom. Nothing about this feels wasteful.  I actually feel bad that all of that stuff sat in my closet, unused for so long.  I always thought I might sell some of the stuff, but ultimately I realized I was just adding another item to my "to-do without the kids" list.  </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz48BqrCzy4CFZX1BtxDErfCNgsEbvOC0m51mxVwKhRvY2C0QddhiDYiUOubd-fm9qwnSI_2K9bqCVkslWH1GitrS6STTcAqvnSt0A-fzLUsOZQhSv7clz9aT5XvCwJs1atdDYGCs4X0M/s640/blogger-image-2045851482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz48BqrCzy4CFZX1BtxDErfCNgsEbvOC0m51mxVwKhRvY2C0QddhiDYiUOubd-fm9qwnSI_2K9bqCVkslWH1GitrS6STTcAqvnSt0A-fzLUsOZQhSv7clz9aT5XvCwJs1atdDYGCs4X0M/s640/blogger-image-2045851482.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />That line almost made me cry, which is so silly.  But it's so true!  </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've read through the entire book once and now am going back to go through the "KonMari" Method, one category at a time. You start with clothes, then books, then papers, miscellany and finally sentimental items.  Her theory is that by the time you get to the sentimental items, you will be a seasoned pro.  I feel like I'm on my way!* </span><br /><br />*Thank goodness because The Container Store is opening down the street from my house, and I swear my credit card jumped out of my wallet and hid trembling in fear.  I can do some damage at a store full of acrylic boxes and good pens.<br /><br /><br />I'll be back to regular pretty pictures with not a lot of words next week!<br /><br />Have a lovely weekend!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />

Organizing Update

My kind of organizing  I'm still in the thick of it with my organizing.  It's a sloooowwww process when you have little ones at home...

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Random Tips and Tricks

I wanted to share a new series I'm going to try. (And by series, I mean, random posts on the go from my iPhone). I love a good tip or trick to make my life easier. And anyone who knows me knows I love to tell everybody and their mother about my new discovery (usually the mother already knows these things). So I'm going to try to pop in every once in awhile and share a tip or trick that's working for me. Whether cleaning, cooking or beauty related, just a little something I might text my sisters or best friends. It will always be something that I've actually found helpful in my daily life (and probably not at all revolutionary. Ha!). <div><br></div><div>Today I have a couple: </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77ePlO3qSL2paq9D6Jhchyphenhyphen9zoo9vty_OsjFT1Bf5y2mT9ckJm7AQvCDBJfVLCzuTVpnI6fCXSGqaEEk8tafMjRYcVNX9tufiACluL72ZalwrJpx7QekZw_WcFH5rUXzaqUqLkXHNtSX8/s640/blogger-image--646114831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77ePlO3qSL2paq9D6Jhchyphenhyphen9zoo9vty_OsjFT1Bf5y2mT9ckJm7AQvCDBJfVLCzuTVpnI6fCXSGqaEEk8tafMjRYcVNX9tufiACluL72ZalwrJpx7QekZw_WcFH5rUXzaqUqLkXHNtSX8/s640/blogger-image--646114831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IhAox-ohrffFAqSVvl3zFxcHfFfrGbkY0TIdyCwaG3pgnbeHm1vN-Nq2KnNnHbXINPRvA5D-2WycKtdxhSpwD7awFZKaw8yJ4V-ZmgWabgDbm8P_RLI7LgNgr5RY6-8XQmypPgkTwzw/s640/blogger-image--804837221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IhAox-ohrffFAqSVvl3zFxcHfFfrGbkY0TIdyCwaG3pgnbeHm1vN-Nq2KnNnHbXINPRvA5D-2WycKtdxhSpwD7awFZKaw8yJ4V-ZmgWabgDbm8P_RLI7LgNgr5RY6-8XQmypPgkTwzw/s640/blogger-image--804837221.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* The wet paper towel trick also works to soften brown sugar in a hurry. Just microwave for 20 seconds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaO4CZX2k-ufql1c_UG-ebTBLYct1T610fCZmQqB1_gzl2BoY2Nn0nlJxC_WYU1Bdv_55_FiA8ypxMG9fexJbT2_aiFOURfzf3doni1Sef7mZgO-S6kFDaJPtQxeA7AvfSZT0HqGGfpg/s640/blogger-image--149507725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaO4CZX2k-ufql1c_UG-ebTBLYct1T610fCZmQqB1_gzl2BoY2Nn0nlJxC_WYU1Bdv_55_FiA8ypxMG9fexJbT2_aiFOURfzf3doni1Sef7mZgO-S6kFDaJPtQxeA7AvfSZT0HqGGfpg/s640/blogger-image--149507725.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesw0U-s06NjQc2u8eGzUH1u0UDUxjlFYutNNJrMr3PrRJLAH0nwK9mkdwm-FWi14EJDOOwMYrOJvY_Dapviboq497RbTJzg3oicLg1ZWVe6KvwXd6Q6yZOnY-CL8iDaqFp7t3_b6NuQQ/s640/blogger-image-1018107709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesw0U-s06NjQc2u8eGzUH1u0UDUxjlFYutNNJrMr3PrRJLAH0nwK9mkdwm-FWi14EJDOOwMYrOJvY_Dapviboq497RbTJzg3oicLg1ZWVe6KvwXd6Q6yZOnY-CL8iDaqFp7t3_b6NuQQ/s640/blogger-image-1018107709.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* I actually texted my sisters that last tip, which gave me the idea for this series. Hope y'all like it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Feel free to leave your own tips and tricks in the comments. I'd love to know more! </div><br></div><br></div>

Random Tips and Tricks

I wanted to share a new series I'm going to try. (And by series, I mean, random posts on the go from my iPhone). I love a good tip or tr...

Read more »

Have a Super Weekend (had to)

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBlAtpyerZLookzsVua59UjKJMZk7ZrS8KZqsqunXN8fv2_bgge2VyaHGc5xu3X95GMr-ptGveIa-PiNbtG9sROF9KJLilmhIXEROwg28LCLGvCuM8GeDO5YhGE9ZsD4H9C0Ssf51AaE/s1600/Fables+KAren+Knorr+The-Queens-Bedchamber-1285x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBlAtpyerZLookzsVua59UjKJMZk7ZrS8KZqsqunXN8fv2_bgge2VyaHGc5xu3X95GMr-ptGveIa-PiNbtG9sROF9KJLilmhIXEROwg28LCLGvCuM8GeDO5YhGE9ZsD4H9C0Ssf51AaE/s1600/Fables+KAren+Knorr+The-Queens-Bedchamber-1285x1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://karenknorr.com/photography/fables/">The Queen's Bedchamber - Karen Knorr</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hello friends!  Who's excited for the weekend?  I spent the entire day working on an organizing update in between my day job responsibilities as monkey wrangler at the zoo.  I mean, my boys are so sweet and cute, but there are times when I stop and think "this is much closer to the monkey cage at the zoo than anyone is willing to admit."  I love the picture above.  It's just so perfect.  Anyway, my organizing update post was so long and rambly, I decided to save it for Monday (I know, I'm really making you excited to come back).  Instead, I'm leaving you with some links o' love, but many are organizing-related! I hope y'all have a super Super Bowl weekend.  Can't wait to see the ads this year.  The ones that make me cry are always my favorite. <br /><br />Enjoy these linkies with some halftime drinkies!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm making <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=657&S=0">these sandwiches</a> for the Super Bowl - yum</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sanebox.com/">Sanebox</a> for your email woes.  Get it.  It's a sanity saver.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been using <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/genius-scan-pdf-scanner/id377672876?mt=8">this app to scan things</a> like business cards, important receipts and warranties</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/15-cool-and-practical-apps-for-couples.html">15 Cool and Practical Apps for Couples</a> - some of these really do look cool</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to see <a href="http://instagram.com/p/yLC1jpt6SG/">more of this nursery</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlebeanblog.com/2015/01/gunner-lux-magic.html">SUPERCUTE kids necklaces I got the boys for Valentine's Day</a> (also spotted: the world's cutest little girl and blue and white, it's like the perfect post)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my new favorite <a href="http://www.cafeprovencekc.com/">Kansas City Restaurant</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0767923189/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">great marriage book</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took some tips from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-challenge-project-household_9757.html">this Household Management Binder Post</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even Thomas Keller (one of my cooking idols) is giving me <a href="https://unclutterer.com/2015/01/29/mise-en-place-kitchen-beyond/">good organizing advice</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just realized I can <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Y59HVM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">subscribe to coffee</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-Fall-Asleep-Right-Away-36597887">This Breathing Trick</a> really works when you can't turn off your brain at night </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/55-things-only-90s-teenage-girls-can-understand#.scwXo1NW2">55 Things only Teenage Girls in the 90s Can Understand</a> (<i>loved</i> Sunflowers) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/2015/01/blue-and-white-monday-tile.html">Blue and White Tile</a> Love </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11047961562203812/">Scallop detail</a> needs to happen more often </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="grey-gardens-dance-o.gif" src="webkit-fake-url://7EE5ACA3-1E85-4952-9684-D963B54B9027/grey-gardens-dance-o.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Have a Super Weekend (had to)

The Queen's Bedchamber - Karen Knorr   Hello friends!  Who's excited for the weekend?  I spent the entire day working on an organizi...

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