There is a weird contradiction between the image of the holidays as an all-relaxing, warm, and fuzzy time and the reality that, as we try to fit in all this yuletide joy, we still have our jobs, and all the standard routines of running our personal and family lives. This year, try these 5 holiday tips to do a little bit more with a little bit less!
It never ceases to astound how the duties of running a household are, by and large, considered a mother’s domain. Now often referred to as “emotional labor,” this burden is getting a lot more attention these days.
Garage sales can be an amazing way to shed items that you no longer need while bringing some monetary value back to you. First you need to start with de-cluttering your home, to create your inventory of valuable items that are in good condition and should not be recycled/trashed. Once you've decided what you're selling, you can dive in with my tips (and supply list!) to make your garage sale smooth and a success!
I am about to move, and it’s been an emotional journey. I love the apartment I am leaving. It’s the first place I ever bought. I purchased it when I became an empty-nester, as a platform for the next chapter of my life. My goal was to expand my social life, enrich my work-life balance, and give more space to romance than I had as a single parent.
The end of summer and the month of September mean one thing for parents and kids: back to school time! With new books, new clothes, and new homework every day, the beginning of the school year can be chaotic--but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few ways to keep your entry way clean and clear during the busy start of school season.
Instant Mud Room
Create an instant mudroom with a front hall organizer to keep everything tidy. Keep incoming and outgoing items like supplies, books, and papers stored in bins with labels for easy access.
Wall Mounted Containers
For all the little things, explore the possibilities of a wall mount with magnetic hanging containers. Perfect for keys, school forms, mail--anything important that might get lost in the shuffle. As your needs change, you can switch out components to accommodate your most active types of items.
Coat Hooks
To add some creative flair to your front hall while keeping coats organized, consider adding decorative wall hooks--instantly functional art!
Summer is here and the livin’ is easy! Whether you are a lakeside lounger, poolside recliner, an outdoor adventurist, or a grilling guru, summer activities can be accompanied by a lot of stuff and can leave your best laid organizational plans in a pile of clutter. Here are some ways to keep clutter by the wayside while you get your summer on.
Bike Storage
Keeping bikes up and off the floor make them easy to take out and put away, and keep your space neat. If you have a garage, try hanging bike storage. City dwellers can use a stylish hanging wall mount like this one.
Messy Clothes
Muddy or wet clothes contained right away upon entering your home by creating a receiving station by the front door, in the mudroom or in the garage. Store plastic bags on a paper towel holder to quickly bag up the mess, keep some wet wipes and a towel nearby. Use a wet shoe rack to avoid tracking or dripping, or if you are feeling crafty, make your own!
Barbecuing
Barbecuing doesn’t have to be a full weekend production. Prep your food by marinating meat and cutting vegetables over the weekend so that you can enjoy the grill even on a weeknight. A handy tool like this prep station will keep you organized while cooking, and make clean up a breeze.
