1.  Setting up TOO many categories: When setting up your filing system (in your file cabinet OR computer), the goal is to be able to:  FIND what you need QUICKLY …. AND put papers (or documents, etc) EASILY.

Many of us – with good intentions, of course – set up categories with SUB-categories with SUB-SUB-categories… you get the picture. By the time you’ve found what it was you were looking for, you forget why you needed it in the first place.

TIP:  Use stickies or pencil & paper to map out a smart filing system.  Think to yourself: What’s the 1st word that comes to mind when thinking of a file name / category? Once you have a plan that makes best sense, rearrange your stuff accordingly.

2.  KEEPING TOO MUCH: While we’re on the subject of “filing,” how much of what we have in our cabinets / boxes / computer do we actually NEED? A majority – probably never.

TIPS: Before you file, ask yourself: Do I really need to keep? Can I get this info somewhere else if needed? ALSO, purge your {computer AND paper} files – either as you are using that particular one OR block out at least once a year to weed out all the excess.

These labels might work fabulously well for some - but not us!

3.  GETTING OCD:  I can do this on occasion! For example, I thought it’d be super smart to label my boys’ coat hangers with days of week, specific activities, etc. Well finding the “right” coat hanger for the “right” day / time of day / activity quickly drove us all crazy.

TIP: Once you get the results your looking for, leave it alone. Don’t make it overly complicated. Basic sections in the closet for us work just fine.

4.  TACKLING TOO MUCH:  I used to think I can get this whole house / closet full of photos / (fill in your own blank) organized in a whole day. {Which may have been the case BEFORE kids.} I’m a hard worker and optimistic {two good things} but am working on the “let’s be realistic” part.

TIP: Don’t lose that “I can do it” spirit, but DO break bigger projects down into doable start & finish in 1 hr or 1 morning increments.

5.  CRAMMING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE into your day {which leads to week which leads to month….} This is one area of my life I’ve made big changes. While I still enjoy being productive, I no longer try to squeeze all I can into the day. As a time management coach, I’m become quite knowledgeable on how to work smarter, be more efficient but I also have become much more aware of WHY I’m doing what I’m doing.

TIP: Get in the habit of asking yourself: Okay, why am I doing all of this? Is this really the way I want my life to be? Because, as one of my favorite {Annie Dillard} quotes says, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Do YOU go into organizing overload at times? Tell me about it in comments below!

Today, I’ll share five of my favorite inexpensive “tools”{all under $3 dollars!} you can use to get organized:

1.  Twistie ties: for neatening up out of control cords: from the ones that come with your camera to those that belong to your child’s Nintendo DS. And using for my iPod earphones has kept me sane{er}… those darn things get tangled into knots within a millisecond!

Use a twistie to keep cord in order. And masking tape is great to use to label things.

2.  Masking Tape {or labels – like the ones in an Avery pack}: for labeling everything from storage containers to those multiplying cords {above}. When bringing in a new electronic device of some sort I always think, I’ll remember what this cord is for. {Not the case – ever.} For those not labeled, I’ll spend at least 30 seconds figuring out each time I use {and those seconds add up, believe me}. If you don’t already do this, label what each cord belongs to – and include or model # as well if it’s something you’ll probably get a newer version of later on RIGHT WHEN YOU BRING IT INTO YOUR HOME. {***Oh, and if you have kids that, for example, both have DS’s, you’ve probably witnessed numerous “discussions” about which charger belongs to whom.  The one they are about playing tug of war with or the one that’s MIA. Labeling solves that!***}

3.  Paper Bags:  When working with a client {or self}, I’ll often use paper bags as temporary holding places for sorted items. I’ll use a big Sharpie to label the outsides of each.

I've used paper grocery bags to temporarily contain our holiday stuff. TIP: You can even have your kids help "decorate" the bags. Getting children involved helps them begin forming organizing habits that will become invaluable as they grow...

4.  Ziplocks: I use these the same way as the bags, above. And at times will become perfect permanent “containers” {as seen in my post HERE : I don’t have a junk drawer – but I DO have these }

5.  Coat hanger caddy: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Wire coat hangers DRIVE ME CRAZY!!!!  I love wooden ones and huggable ones – they have been one of my favorite investments – and really, aren’t all that expensive. BUT, I have not been able to convert my husband so those wire hangers are still hanging around. Our dry cleaner gave me one of these cardboard hanger holders and it contains beautifully {or as beautiful as something related to a wire coat hanger can be}. When full, I take to my dry cleaner for him to reuse – eco-friendly also which I love!

Do you have any cheap but fabulous organizing finds? Please share in the comment section below!

#1:  VIDEO LOVE!  I’ve been learning how to make videos that I can use on my blog and workshops and have created my very 1st video. This one will be a part of the “Weekly Planning Kit” new subscribers will receive when they join my address book. {For my wonderful current subscribers, please be on look out – when this Weekly Planning Kit {WPK} is available, I want to make sure you receive if you’d like!} This video 5 1/2 minute shows my all-time FAVORITE tool for planning my week:

{I know… it’s a tad bit fast, there’s a grammatical typo (whoever finds 1st gets a WATER WATCH!) + a few tiny tech things. Will fix those before using for the WPK. BUT, overall I love it and hope you enjoy!!! Lately, have really had to let go of some of my perfectionistic ways…so sending this as is!} 

*****Click HERE ***** or on image below:

#2:  WATER WATCH made the news again!!!! My goal with WATER WATCH is to **** get the word out**** on the importance of designating someone to watch while kids are in or around water. The video I’m currently putting together contains some sobering statistics – AND some things you can do to keep your little ones {children, grandchildren, little visitors} safe around water.

If you would like to PURCHASE a Water Watch for your family, friends or loved ones with little ones, please click here.  {If you have any “technical” problems ordering – please let me know. I’m trying to make my site as user friendly as possible and want to make I’m aware and handle any glitches – anywhere, for that matter. I’m on a big learning curve with this technical stuff!!!}

If your business – or one you know of – is interested in carrying WATER WATCH, please be in touch with me: info@AngelaHarrisDesign.com. Shortly, I plan to list places that carry WATER WATCH on my site – as a “thank you for their support” AND so customers can know where to find one if they prefer buying in person vs. here on site.

If your non-profit organization / school / club would like to sell WATER WATCH as a FUNDRAISER, please let me know – can provide more info. Make a little $ for your group while spreading a potentially life saving message.

This is from National Parenting Publications Awards!!! {Click HERE for more}

#3:  Workshop Prep in Full Swing!  I’ve been working together with my {WONDERFUL!!!!} Kitchen Command Center {KCC} Makeover winner. I cannot wait to share more about her and the workshop itself.  The great news is, YOU will have an opportunity to be involved in this workshop, too. I’ll be sharing some incredible ways to create your ULTIMATE KCC.  It will have your home running smoother in many, many ways. Stay tuned…

With all that I’m excited about, I’m all the more, completely dependent on what I talk about in the video, above. {It is my lifesaver.} If you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed…what the video talks about can help.  And speaking of videos…

 I’d love to say a special thank you to Mary Jaksch, co-founder of A-List Blog Club and Goodlife ZEN {practical inspiration for a happier life}. Through her AMAZING club {co-founded with another one of my favorites: zenhabits’ Leo Babauta} I have learned to create the video, above, and SO much more blog / website related. Mary’s inspiration, enthusiasm and incredible way of simplifying what can very easily overwhelm has been invaluable. If you would like more info on this wonderful resource, please click here:  {this is the bootcamp I’m currently participating in:}

If you decide to try out A-List Blog Club, I’ll get just a bit of $ if you do join through my link. I love sharing helpful things I think readers could use to simplify life or make more enjoyable.  {Actually, I’m realizing more and more that simplifying EQUALS more enjoyable!} Anytime I do get $ in return for purchases made from my site, I will let you know. As far as ANY type of mention {$ or not…!} being authentic {whether it be my thoughts OR recommendations} is extremely important to me and I only want to share what I think you’ll love. That being said, if you have a website or blog – or are interested in creating either – A-List Blog Club is a resource I highly recommend.

Again, thank you Mary!!  {And thanks to the wonderful Barrie Davenport who encouraged me in many ways – including creating this gift for subscribers.} You can find even more fab stuff at Barrie’s A-List Blog Marketing AND Live Bold & Bloom.

Okay…. if you can handle a bit more gushing!  I’d  again like to thank Matt Cleaver of Cleaver Solutions: an AWESOME person to talk with regarding your website. {And incredibly nice – that’s HUGE when you are working with someone. At least in my book! Here’s his contact info if you want more info: www.CleaverSolutions.com.

Lots of love in this post today!!!

xoxo,

Angela

Here is a fun, easy, inexpensive and stylish {great combo!} idea to help you remember not only where you went but the best parts about it:

Use postcards to preserve those vacation memories {photo credit: eperales}

POSTCARDS!  This is why I love:

EASY:  When on vacation, postcards are everywhere. Even if you’re vacationing at home {sometimes the best way to do it : ), you can create your own postcard by using a favorite snapshot with a peel and stick make-your-own.

FUN: Take a few minutes when back home to reminisce … on the back of the card, you can write down:

• everyone’s favorite part of trip
• your itinerary
• where you ate {this is a big part of our trips!}
• what made you laugh the most
• whatever floats your boat!

INEXPENSIVE:  25 cents for most – can’t beat that {for that price, each family member can choose his or her own!}

STYLISH:  make part of your decor by posting on a designated travel wall, keeping in a beautiful album … OR putting in a container you LOVE.

This way, all of these fabulous memories will be right at your fingertips when you need to go back {…in your mind. That’s the best part of good memories!}

Screws, little pieces of whatever go into this zip lock bag which I keep in our “indoor tool” box:

Miscellaneous pieces of whatever

Those little game and puzzle pieces that end up under the sofa, behind the cushions, etc… when I find, I’ll toss into this little container. Every so often we’ll take the time to put back in original place. If I had to stop and put back in “proper place” each time… well that wouldn’t happen. So, this is the “holding place”:

When we're missing a game or puzzle piece, this is where we go to look...

This container holds seldom used {but needed} kitchen pieces. This way they don’t jam up our main drawers containing the daily or weekly used pieces. {Isn’t it frustrating when you pull open a drawer and there’s so much stuff you can’t open {or close} all the way?!!}

Kitchen utensils that are needed - but not often used {oyster shuckers... melon /cookie scoop}

And I’ve saved my favorite for last... I work with my kids {and husband} on building good organizing habits – such as every toy needs a home. And every toy needs to be in its home when not in use.  This doesn’t always happen at our house. {I have to work at it, too, so I try not to be too hard on them!} HOWEVER, that’s not to say I don’t get frustrated. SO, when I’m in the mood, I’ll go around with this box and toss in whatever has been left out.  And then keep it for awhile : ) It’s actually quite a stress reliever when I feel like I’m going to loose it if I have to say one more time, “Pick up your stuff!!”

And this is where the left out things disappear to...

Having an automatic place to put things that don’t have a specific home keep your cabinets, drawers and surfaces from getting overrun with clutter. But you have to be strategic… and it has to be a small percentage of your things!  Notice the pattern of items going in to these holding places and consider establishing new homes if need be. Don’t allow junk in your prime real estate spaces – keep it for your favorite / most often used things! 

FEEL like you are here... using a little Ambiance. Photo credit: paul (dex)}

Five Fabulous Finds! A new type of post where I”ll share 5 things I think are fabulous – and in some way, shape or form can be linked to order!

Today, here are Five Fabulous TECHNOLOGY MAKING LIFE BETTER Finds:

1. Ambiance:  An “environmental enhancer” app with tons of different sounds:  from Day at the Beach + Country Night TO Greek Restaurant + Watching Soccer in a Pub. Whatever floats your boat – you’ll find it {HEAR it} here.  Price:  2.99

2. Little Snapper: This application allows you to take screenshots {pictures of whatever is on your computer screen} plus much more. I use this for a TON of things – from organizing images while preparing for a workshop, to gathering helpful ideas to send to a client.  Price:  39.99

3. Evernote: This is a place where you can capture anything and everything. It can work with mobile devices so you can have anytime access. Plus, you can search by keyword or tag to find whatever you’ve noted in a snap.  Price:  FREE!

What Evernote can do for you {I took this screenshot using Little Snapper - how handy!}

Organizing Tip: When using an app like Little Snapper or Evernote, give some thought to how you can best organize what you’ll be bringing in BEFORE jumping in. When I started using these two, I got so carried away in using and I didn’t set up a very smart system for incoming stuff.  Now I’m having to go back and organize. A life organizer by profession, you’d think I would have known better!

4. WorkFlowy: A simple yet powerful way to outline projects, keep lists, organize thoughts. Watch this two-minute video {CLICK HERE} to see how it works. It’s “simply” amazing. Price: FREE!

5. Simply Noise: a “color noise generator” app {white noise + more} you can download on your smart phone, iPad, computer. It’s like having a sound machine anywhere you need it. Incredible way to block out distraction when you’re working {FOCUSING}, sleeping – or simply wishing to relax. You can set the timer for it to turn off …. after you’ve drifted into dreamland. Price: FREE!

Do YOU have favorites? If so, please share with me!

It was just the boys and me: dining room set, candles lit, music playing, really good I must say salmon + salad + bread w/ dipping olive oil + spices.

Before deleting with repulsion – keep reading. My perfect evening gets better:

Within ONE minute of our blessing, the boys upset each other so over … I DON”T EVEN REMEMBER?! … and my oldest ran off with his plate while my little one smugly sat.  All of that work and this is what happens? And I still hadn’t cleaned the George Foreman grill – the biggest pain in the $#@ thing there is to clean.

This was the ending of a day filled with:

• Technical glitches galore: scanner +  passwords + “smart” phone + brand new TV {with professional installation $$$} that suddenly has no sound
• Firetrucks + ambulances up and down the road {literally all morning} near our house which had me on edge {worried about what was going on + the sound itself is so unnerving… was glad to know it was a contained house fire & no one was injured – you would have thought it was a grand scale catastrophe}
• Grocery shopping: which, as my friend Leigh will tell you, is not a quick thing! – there’s the meal planning + grocery list making + coupon compiling + driving to & from + actual shopping + unloading  + putting away.  Exhausting just typing that out.
• Doctor’s appointment: Both boys together in waiting room then waiting in the OTHER room … waiting is not fun with two kids – no DS’s in sight.  Poor planning on my part, maybe.  But I’m like, “You are capable of simply sitting respectfully.”  I did get a glowing compliment from the PA, “Your boys are so well behaved!” I simply said, “Thank you!” but thought to myself, these patient room doors must be sound proof.

The purpose of this post is to let you know that you aren’t alone in the day to day struggles of keeping it together. {And what will really annoy me is KNOWING there are so many out there with WAY bigger struggles (including the one faced by the homeowner, above) but still getting frustrated with my own situations.} But no matter how big or small, we all need support in different forms. Having a go-to list for help when you need it can be extremely … helpful.

I got this idea from one of my favorite writers, Cheryl Richardson. Here is an excerpt from her book, The Art of Extreme SelfCare:

“An Extreme Self-Care First-Aid Kit is a well-prepared plan of action put in place before you need to use it. It consists of things you can do on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level that will give you comfort, connection, and a feeling of steadiness while navigating the rough waters of a crisis. When faced with a difficult period, what matters most is that you return to the behaviors and practices that reflect Extreme Self-Care as quickly as possible, so you can restore yourself to sanity and strength. That way, you’ll bring your best, most resourceful self to the challenge at hand.”

- Cheryl Richardson, The Art of Extreme SelfCare

I have my own Take Care checklist – things to keep me going / encourage me to take a break / help me regroup:

Some are more “superficial” {which is perfectly fine when that’s just what you need}:

• my favorite … magazine, TV show, food, wine {at times, at the same time! But be careful if wine (etc) is what you use to relieve stress – during a stressful time I had to put the brakes on it – realized I was becoming too dependent on and needed to deal in different way… see next category)
• absolutely nothing {LISTEN to what your body needs, as Well Grounded Life’s Lisa Byrne shares here in her post, Your Supposed to be Tired and Grumpy
• pedicure {prefer over mani when in need of relaxing – there’s no lounging back & reading mags when getting your nails done!}
• Pinterest {I really do get lost in it as I described here}
• Music {There are times – as mentioned in next section – when I need something uplifting.  And there are times when the only thing that’ll do is really good – loud – music. My playlists are quite diverse I must say!}

Others are more “restorative“: {I learned about how to separate the two types of “self care” from WGL Lisa’s conversation with author, speaker, life coach Renee Trudeau}

• conversation with trusted friend
• session with therapist {or clergyman, doctor, coach … and if you don’t feel a connection with, KEEP LOOKING. It’s so important to find the right fit with this stuff.}
• yoga {did my favorite class the morning after that day above … it’s my soulmate workout for sure – as Chalene Johnson (L O V E  her!) recommends finding}
• time with favorite book / blog {my books & blog reads tend to be more build you up kind of reads… figured my US magazine would be considered in “superficial” category : )
• listening to a helpful + inspiring podcast / book on tape {I learned the self care distinctions of “superficial” and “restorative” while listening to one of WGL Lisa’s taped conversations with her brand new M.A.A.P series / project: this one was with Renee Trudeau. Click HERE to learn more: really good stuff to listen to while in car – or at home. I listened to one while cleaning out the fridge the other day}.

For more ideas, I’ll include this from Cheryl Richardson’s The Art of Extreme Self Care {published by Hay House, Inc.:

This was not the post I planned to do for this week but I really do have to feel it to write it and this is what I was feeling. Surround yourself with what you love at times is easier said than done but it is crucial in taking care of yourself.  And taking care of YOURSELF is crucial to caring for everything else in life you love – including those little ones we love but at times aren’t very lovable.  

What’s on YOUR Take Care list?

As I’ve touted many times before, focus is huge when it comes to order + getting best results. Whether you’re:

• writing a blog post {it’s 5:45 a.m. as I type this – quiet house = better & faster}
• making a to-do list {by doing this (IF it’s done right) you will greatly improve focus elsewhere}
• cooking a meal {many probably don’t require focus for this – me, for the sake of those eating it, yes!}
• working out {when really into it vs. just going through the motions, I swear you get at least twice the benefits}
• packing for a trip {when I’m completely zoned in here, I can pack in 10 minutes vs. 1 hour or more}

So where am I guilty of non-focus? Here’s a comment made yesterday after reading a wonderful post by Well Grounded Life’s Lisa Byrne {3 certain & specific ways love in action heals us from the inside out} :

In response to, Lisa’s question: “Which are hardest for you to put into action?”:

While I know it’s not possible to give complete focus 100% of the time, I’m really going to work harder at ensuring there are pockets of time in the morning afternoon and evening where I have complete focus on each of my biggest little loves in the world. And since it’s Valentine’s Day, I’ll even add my other big love {my husband!} to my greater focus list.

Seriously, I can multi-task like no other when it comes to time around my kids. {When reading a book together, I can read out loud yet the entire time my mind is thinking about everything else other than where I am at the moment.} And as anyone with kids will tell you, those moments are fleeting.  

So instead of proofing + tweaking this post, I’m going to hit “publish” and snuggle with my boys while they’ll still let me : )

{…. As the title of this post says, it’s a Valentine’s Gift … to my boys – but really, for myself}

And, check out Facebook later today – will post pics of our Valentine’s Day morning : )

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!!! I’m thankful for each of you…

xoxo,

Angela

My current {traveling} spa

One of my all-time favorite things: beauty products. I’ve always had a lot of love for, but now that I’m a mom, I’m not able to spend as much time {or $} on these luxuries. However, I’m not about to let my favorite indulgence take a backseat. I keep them up front with me – literally.

Vera Bradley cosmetic bag {I wanted it to blend in nicely with my car's interior}

Here’s what’s in my {to-go} bag of tricks {TREATS} that I keep right at my fingertips. And only used when at a long stop light, safely parked or in carpool line, of course : )

• Sugar lip treatments {one with SPF + other with “natural” color}
• bareMinerals firming eye treatment
• boscia green tea blotting linens
• Essie polish in Mademoiselle {will often paint my nails before pulling out of driveway – in the car is often the longest my hands are “still”!}
• L’Occitane hand cream
• Josie Maran Argan Oil {for cuticles, skin, fine lines, split ends – you name it}
• Orbit gum … and last but certainly not least…
• * Perfume – this little purse spray currently holds my new favorite, The One, Dolce & Gabbana

{* I think every girl should have at least one perfume they love – THIS KIT from Sephora (which may just be my favorite place in the world) allows you to try several & then turn in voucher for your full size favorite.}

Surrounding yourself with what you love doesn’t just happen at home! For other ways to enjoy the ride, here are my 10 ways to turn your car into your HAVEN.

{P.S.  The WINNER of my Kitchen Command Center makeover has been selected… stay tuned for how this can help YOU!}

It's about taking all of those little things that you love and bringing them together... image courtesy of qthomasbower

Here at Angela Harris Design, I am officially declaring the month of February, Surround Yourself with What You LOVE month!

Q: Is this another holiday to add to my already packed calendar?

A: Before you dismiss, let me share a little more. It’s actually a month-long occasion that’s all about YOU! And don’t worry about feeling too self-centered. I’m a firm believer that when you take care of YOURself, it helps you be a better mom, spouse, friend, employee, volunteer, entrepreneur… whatever the roles are that make up your life.

Surround yourself with what you love is my mantra. With my home, my calendar, my business, my life, it helps me:

• ENHANCE: add more of what brings me joy, happiness, peace – all of that good stuff
• STREAMLINE: take out those things that don’t bring harmony {which the dictionary defines as: the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole}. What about what can’t be taken off your plate? Think outside the box to make it actually enjoyable – or at least tolerable until bigger changes can be made.

Q: What are some LOVE examples?

A: “Things you love” can come in a gagillion forms, including:

• happy mealtimes with meals you love {not just “filler food” – my term for food that you just aren’t wild about}
• that beautiful rug you’ve had your eye on
• a clean car that’s your haven when you’re in it
• respect from those you’re not getting it from {including “self”}
• a free of clutter {workspace / kitchen / family room / garage / etc } that doesn’t drain you each time you’re in it
• more time with those friends that make you feel happy {not drained} after you leave
• flowers {in your window boxes, at your desk}
• breathing time in your schedule {alone time!}
• reading out in your backyard
• this list is endless!

Q: What does this have to do with organizing?

A: Organizing to me isn’t about a neat looking desk or well-ordered linen closet.  Don’t get me wrong, aesthetics can absolutely play a beautiful {and fun!} role. It’s also not simply being able to find what you need when you need it. {Didn’t you love the kitchen fork analogy in my last post?} To me it those things but also organizing your life as a whole – getting to truly know what you love and being intentional about designing your life to capture those things.

Q: So… how can I better organize my life around what I love?

A: First, you need to know what you love – and what you aren’t crazy about – or flat out don’t like at all.

1. Get out a sheet of paper, make two columns {LOVE + DON’T LOVE} and spend this month getting to know what your unique list entails.
2. Write down what you can do this month to enhance or streamline, based on your list.
3. Make this a habit: Keep that list and add to it. Refer to it when you are making your schedule, making a purchase, wondering what you should do during your downtime. And today is the perfect day to do it because it’s Blank Slate Day {my 1st day of the month ritual}. Take a look at it daily – or at least weekly.  I keep mine on my clipboard.

Q: What are some of the things YOU {as in YOU reading this now!} would love more of?

A: Give me YOUR answers here in comment section or on FB! {I’ll be sharing some of my loves I want more of in Facebook – find me by clicking on FB icon on right – or look me up under: Angela Harris Design / Your Life Organizer : )

P.S. Thank you for your wonderful interest in the Kitchen Command Center makeover giveaway! I’m super excited and will be announcing the winner shortly!!!