The best things in life are cheap and natural!

I have one of those "Euro-Style" washer/dryer combo machines and while I appreciate the efficiency of this design, I basically have accepted the fact that most of my clothes have to air dry.

Not a big issue, especially since air drying is better for prolonging the life of your clothing and I hate it when I shrink things in the dryer!

My only gripe was that for some reason, my clothes were air drying and turning out, well, kind of "crispy."  Yeah, the fabric would get stiff and crinkly - even my Pima Cotton t-shirts, which are the softest most wonderful fabric in the world!  :(

But I'm sort a weird when it comes to laundry stuff and I don't like scented detergent or fabric softeners or dryer sheets - the artificial-ness of the fragrance (even the supposed fragrance-free ones) make me sneeze!

So of course, as is the case with most of life - the best solutions are SIMPLE!  And in this case, Cheap and Natural TOO!

Two Words:  White Vinegar.

Yup.  So simple, so wonderful.  Use 1/4c of distilled white vinegar in lieu of fabric softener - it is delightful.  Even my towels can air dry and still turn out soft and fluffy, which is a total miracle!

I was just doing laundry and realized that maybe people didn't know about this so I though I'd share.  Let me know how you like it.

Sometimes we're the worst at following our own advice!

Confession time.  I do not always follow my own advice.

I'm good at living by my principles, but when it comes to really specific things that I've recommended to others, (and have seen work for them) for some reason I think that I don't need to do the same things or that they won't work for me.

Case in point:  People always ask me how to keep organized with all the little things, papers, invites, notices, misc. stuff with deadlines, etc. that don't really belong in a permanent file folder.  They say that it gets really difficult to remember everything that's on a deadline or even the things they want to follow up with that don't have a deadline.

My advice is simple and it works.  (The simple stuff usually works the best!)  Create or purchase a 31-Day Organizing System and use it daily.

I haven't done this for myself because I haven't felt the need since I do fine remembering deadlines and I use my calendar for reminders and most of my work stuff has permanent file folders.  But today I've been thinking, "okay, could I be even more efficient and organized if I used this system?"  Well the only way to find out is to try it and see and I'm pretty excited about that!

You can find some pre-fab solutions out there or custom make your own with basic office supplies (and a little creativity.)  Try it for one month and I think you'll be hooked.

This solution from Pottery Barn is nice.  My only concern is that you have to keep bills in envelopes or fold up papers to fit.

This version from Container Store requires that you add your own labels and folders, but it allows you to put in any size paper and functions more like a standerd "tickler" file. 

 

When it comes down to the best solution, it all depends on what you like and how you work.  Remember, the best solutions are the ones you'll actually use!  :)

What system will you try?  Let me know and Happy Organizing!

Looking for some extra money? Find it in your clutter!

It's true, two of the most elusive resources we seem to always be chasing after (Time and Money) are often hiding right underneath our nose - in our clutter!

They like to hide in messy desk drawers, cluttered closets, and gaps of time spent doing "misc." things.

But beware, this terrain is know to cause stress, frustration and overwhelm, which is why we are so unlikely to actually get to the bottom of things and uncover the Time and Money we already have!

Not sure where to start your hunt?  Check out your master closet.

Are there some deep dark corners that haven't been touched in months?  I'll bet you have some pieces of clothing that you haven't seen or worn in years and these are perfect for a consignment shop = extra money!

Remember to examine everything in the master suite because shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry that you no longer love and use are all excellent options for drumming up some extra dough ... to go buy new stuff :)  Haha, just kidding!  You can only buy new stuff if you have room for it - no more overstuffed closets, OK?  Thank you.

You might want to enlist the help of a wardrobe consultant or stylist on this project if you're not sure about what to keep and what to let go of.  They can even be a resource for what outlets would be the best for you to sell your goods.

Also, they have a trained eye that can create new outfits from pieces you already own so it's like getting a new wardrobe without spending a dime ... we love saving money!

Thank goodness for desk storage options!

Okay, so one of my biggest pet peeves has always been not being able to find the right storage solution for my or my clients needs.  In fact, I frequently custom make solutions because at least you know a home-made system is going to be specifically tailored to you.  This website Ultimate Office seems to have some solutions I have never seen before so I'm pretty excited about that.  By the way, I am in no way promoting them, I just stumbled upon them via Twitter and I was inspired.  I haven't used any of their products yet, but I hope to soon!

Source

 Some people actually prefer to store papers horizontal, rather than vertical so these are perfect for that.  I love the one on the right for storing multiple types of paper and labels right near your printing station!

Source

 

 

I am a big fan of keeping current and important project folders visible but organized, especially if you are accessing them frequently.

Source

This would also be a great option and the beautiful thing is that if you have the space, you could leave a file drawer or cabinet shelf empty so that this system could be tucked away and out of sight if you have a home office and want to keep things looking tidy and less "office-y'  :)

Hope you are as inspired as I am and please share what your favorite storage solutions are, whether they're store bought or custom wrought by you!

 ~ Christy B.

Put those Holiday Cards to creative use!

I remember growing up, there was one wall designated for Christmas card display every year.  It never wavered, never varied.  Like most of my childhood home's decor, it was predictable and never changed!

I think on a few occasions I might have tinkered with the idea of revamping the Christmas card wall, but nothing else ever seemed quite right.  Some solutions are best left untouched, but other times things get stale and boring. 

Here are some clever and creative ways to display those Holiday cards that are anything but predictable.  Have fun and Happy Holidays to you!

A unique approach to organizing in the new year

January is National Get Organized Month according to NAPO: the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Really?  Who has time to organize in the midst of post-holiday bliss (or blues, depending on your situation.)  I understand that finally getting organized tops the charts of New Year's Resolutions every year, but then again, so do weight loss goals ... and quite frankly, how long do those last?

Now, I certainly don't mean to sound like a Debbie Downer, in fact, I consider myself an eternal optimist.  I'm also a realist (yes seriously, optimist and realist - it is possible, I'm living proof!)

I had even considered launching my Organize for IDEAS coaching program in accordance with National Get Organized Month, but luckily this whole new year's resolution thing had me think twice.  Frankly, I'm relieved and I think my program participants will be too.

I'm glad I don't have to think about heading into the new year at full throttle, wondering when I'll get a chance to relax after the holidays.  And you know exactly what I  mean - the need for a vacation after the vacation!

Thankfully my program will have a unique advantage (and it's already quite unique to begin with) by starting at a time when resolution highs have worn off and real goals set it.  I haven't decided yet, but I'm thinking late February or early March ... maybe I can dub March "National Get Real Month" or "National Resolution Rehab Month."  Okay, so neither of those have a nice ring.

Now that I have all this "extra" time before my program begins, I wonder what I'll do with my January?  Oh fine, I admit it!  I too will be making my exercise goals and obsessively clearing out all the "bad" foods from my kitchen.  *sigh*  Ah well, perhaps the new year's resolution cycle is in our DNA forever.

Do New Year's Resolutions Work? - ThatsFit.com
Top Ten New Year's Resolutions - GoalsGuy.com
How to Keep New Year's Resolutions - Martha Beck via Oprah.com

A powerful weekend

I just finished an immensely powerful weekend staffing a Torch Training Program at the Cesar Chavez School in LA.  It has nothing to do with Organizing or Design, but I felt like sharing anyway.

If you would have told me six months ago that I would be mentoring a group of troubled teens in Compton, California -- I would have given you a "yeah, right" look and laughed the ridiculousness of that notion.  I really couldn't stand kids, especially teenagers, especially from "high-risk" parts of town.  I thought they were lazy, rude, obnoxious, stupid, and just plain bad.  I was also pretty sure they had some choice thoughts of me as well.

Obviously, a lot changed in the past six months through my own personal growth and development work and so the opportunity to volunteer in this program arose.  I decided to quiet the judgemental voices in my head and just commit to it 100%.

It turned out to be one of the most difficult, painful, exhausting experiences of my life.  And yet somehow it also managed to be one of the most healing, happy, rewarding experiences of my life too.  Let's face it, sometimes it just hurts to care about something or someone so deeply that we avoid it altogether.  Yes, we avoid the pain, but we also never get the joy.

Many times this weekend, I struggled to keep my emotions together -- to keep myself from breaking down, to stay focused on being strong for these kids.  The things that they have seen, done, and had done to them are not things that anyone should ever have to experience.  And yet at only 16 or 17 years old, they have already lived a lifetime of pain and suffering.

All I wanted was for them to get the love, healing and compassion they so desperately needed and I still can't stop thinking, "did they get it?  did I do enough?  did we get through to them?  did I make a difference?"

I know in my heart that the answer is "yes."  I learned such a valuable lesson through this too -- that sometimes we avoid things in our life, in our world, because it just hurts too much to care.  But, the only way to make a difference is to open our hearts and and let the pain flow through, and trust that pain will not last forever and that joy will fill it's place.

What to do with all that junk?

I get a lot of questions when I'm de-cluttering with a client about what we're going to do with all the junk we're purging from the space! What exactly do you do with old batteries and electronics? And is it safe to throw away old medications?

Thankfully, Yahoo! Green has a great article to answer some of the toughest recycling and throw away questions: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/151/10-toughest-things-to-get-rid-of.html

So don't get swallowed up by all that stuff! Now you know what to do to get out of your junk jam :)

Incredibly creative!

I just love brilliant little DIY projects so I had to share this one with you! I'd been looking for a way to neatly and creatively hold and display my business cards and I ran across this awesome idea on www.evilmadscientist.com
It's very simple instructions to follow with a template to print out and everything. I think I'm going to alter the pattern slightly and maybe use fabric instead of paper for the decorative element. I can't wait to make one asap!

Dwell Color Inspiration Contest

"Modern Masculine with a Flair for the Eccentric." I think that pretty well describes this color concept project based on the muse image (menswear thumbnail in upper right corner) provided by Dwell Magazine and Glidden for their newest online contest. I had a lot of fun doing it and going outrageous with the colors.

Did you know that clients can order a personalized Color Concept board like this from me? Digital or hard copy versions can be produced to your specifications to help you understand the Color and Style concept of your next project. Its very inspirational to refer to throughout your redesign!

My guest blog post at CRAVE!

http://thecravecompany.com/blog/

A Store Display is Born - #1

Two of my favorite things are 1) making something out of nothing, and 2) fabric!

So it would stand to reason that combining both loves and making something out of nothing with fabric is a guaranteed delight for me.

Even though incredible time constraints and a non-existent budget stand in my way, I'm pulling together a sassy and sophisticated store vignette!

The Home Fabric and Rugs Store where my display will live for 6 - 8 weeks is in Torrance:

3842 Sepulveda Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90505

Honestly, I almost don't even want to tell you about this place because it's my super secret place for crazy low prices on fabric and rugs! But alas, I do want you to come check out the display when it's finished so I must divulge my sources :)

The empty space:

The mock-up plan:

Budget: $0 ($110 spent so far, LOL!)

Time: 48 hours

Items complete: Desk Chair

Watch for updated posts to check-in on the progress!

Make your own To-Go Bag

There are days when it seems like I'm living out of my car. Driving from appointment to appointment to errands to meetings to ... oh you know exactly what I mean, we all have those days!

Now, I don't mind it so much when it's all planned out 24 hours in advance and I've prepared for each and every little thing (can we say obsessive much?) The truth is that it doesn't always go down as planned and expecting the unexpected is really the only way to keep sane through it all!

That's why I love the concept (and practice) of keeping a To-Go Bag in the car. A melange of all the seemingly trivial little items that can really come in handy when on the go. Here are some ideas to consider for your own To-Go Bag:

1. Lipstick / Lipgloss - personally, I am addicted to chapstick and MUST have this at all times
2. Mints / Gum - for when the Starbucks-breath hasn't faded before your 9am meeting
3. Lint Roller - I love visiting clients with pets, but dog fur covered pants doesn't always make a good impress at my next appointment!
4. Pen / Notebook
5. Back-up Phone Charger
6. Quarters for Meters
7. Small Scissors
8. Safety Pins
9. Band-Aids (especially if those are new shoes you're breaking in!)
10. Perfume / Body Spray
11. Notecards / Stamps - great when you network a lot and want to send a "Nice to meet you" note as an immediate follow-up

These are just a few ideas so play around with it and be on the look out for what items would make your busy life easier. Find a cute little tote to carry your ToGo items and be sure to tidy and restock it on a regular basis!

Here are some cute insulated bags to get you started. I have no proof of this, but I imagine an insulated bag would be better since it's sitting in the car all day and subject to varying temperatures! And be sure to let me know what your cannot-live-without ToGo items are!

What if the customer ISN'T always right?

Designers, organizers and consultants provide services, and sometimes products, to clients (or customers) based on their recommendation of what will be best for the project and customer.

The very nature of the collaboration is founded on the customer relying on the expertise and experience of the service professional.

So what about the age old adage, "the customer is always right" as it pertains to these industries? If that were true, then these professionals wouldn't exist, right? Or if they did exist it would be merely to execute orders rather than create or develop anything.

My experience has been that if you choose to work with great clients, you will most likely develop such a trusting and respectful relationship that issues will never even come up. You provide your opinion, expertise, examples from past experience, you can flat tell them they "absolutely have to do it this way" ... but ultimately, the client has the power of choice.

Ironically, that power is often the very reason the client has contacted you in the first place - because they can't make a decision. When it comes to paint colors, fabric choices, etc., people get nervous about committing to a choice and will say things like, "I don't know, you choose!"

In the beginning the "I don't know, you choose" line can be frustrating because you don't know the client well enough yet to know whether or not they will be happy with your choice. By the end however, it can be very liberating for both the professional and the client because they get relief from making tough decisions, you get creative freedom ... and ultimately everyone is satisfied in the end.

I'd like to hear from people in the service industry - specifically ones that are required to take the "trust me, I know what's best" approach with their customers. What are your secrets to making the relationship work smoothly? What do you do to ensure satisfaction? What horror stories do you have and what did you learn from them?

I think this topic is really relevant and doesn't get discussed the same way that consumer complaints and customer reviews do so I'm interested what people have to say.

Who says TV rots your brain?

Lately, I've been feeling a little down and out. Yes, I'm getting over a cold and that's one thing, but this was different, an all over "blah" feeling inside and out. It didn't make sense. So far this year has been like a greatest hits album with my life and business making monumental strides. So why was I feeling so tired and like I wanted to crawl into bed and hide away from the world?

Well, I think I got the answer to get my "mojo" back, courtesy of one of my fav shows, Chuck on NBC. In case you're not familiar, the basics are that Chuck unwillingly became a super spy when a computer program called the Intersect was uploaded to his brain for safe keeping. He's just an average dude but when the moment strikes he "flashes" on information and can possess skills he normally wouldn't have. So anyway, the Intersect hasn't been working and Chuck hasn't been "flashing" and his spy days are basically over. At the climax of the episode, when Chuck and his best friend are trapped and about to be exterminated by the bad guys, they have a heart to heart and Chuck reconnects with his true feelings and his true self. He realizes that by trying so hard to be a "real spy" he lost the gift of just being Chuck. Well of course, you can imagine what happened next, Chuck did finally "flash" and he took down the bad guys and saved the day.

So I realized this morning that I've been a little too much like Chuck; shutting out areas of my life that I deemed as superfluous and trivial, and just trying so damn hard to overachieve at everything. Maybe allowing myself to engage in hobbies is NOT superfluous and taking the time to meet people and make friends is NOT trivial. Ironically, I know from experience that the best things have come to me this year when I haven't been hunting them, when I've been balanced, and when I've been overall enjoying my life rather than toiling in it.

What do you enjoy, but don't make time for? Could indulging in these activities actually impact success in other areas of your life?

March Ezine: Paint your walls - Change your mood!

To paint or not to paint? That should never be a question!

I spoke recently with a soon-to-be-mother about how to decorate when they don’t know if its a boy or a girl. I discussed many gender-neutral options for the color of the room. We finally decided on green. Or so I thought.

A few days ago we spoke again and much to my dismay she said, “We decided not to paint. We don’t want to spend too much money since we’re just renting and won’t be here more than a year.” What?!? My head nearly exploded.

Painting is actually one of the most COST EFFECTIVE ways to change the look and mood of a room. And quite frankly, a year is a long time to be living with drab walls, especially in a nursery! Okay, okay, so if it sounds like I’m taking it too personally, you’re right I am. She’s not even a client of mine! I just know first-hand that color has the potential to make the single biggest impact on your space and therefore, your mood.

Take a look below at the "before" & "after" paint of one of my first apartments - HUGE difference! The place was cheap and old and it would have continued to look that way if I hadn't painted :)

You’ve probably heard before that red is the color of passion, green is healing, and blue is calming. These are some of the commonly held beliefs derived from the study of Color Psychology. However, there are no hard and fast rules about color – that’s the beauty of it – whatever makes you happy is the right choice.

So how do you choose? There are so many darn options out there and it can be difficult to get started. One way to start is with an online program that surveys what color schemes you probably will like based on your preferences. Pittsburgh Paints has come up with this ingenious Color Sense Game that will profile your color personality through a series of multiple-choice questions.
(Click here to go to their site to play the game.)

Entire libraries of books have been written on color and color psychology so I won't get into all of that. But here are some color knowledge basics I always keep in mind when examining color options:

1) Warm vs. Cool

Red, orange, and yellow are warm colors and are generally thought to create intimate, cozy spaces. Blue, green and purple are cool colors and can create a serene, spacious look.

2) Complimentary vs. Analogous

Complimentary colors are of “opposite hue” on a color wheel and create dramatic and intense pairings. Blue and orange are popular complimentary hues. Combining a primary and secondary color creates tertiary colors, which are analogous colors. They are “adjacent hues” on the color wheel and when paired create a softer, mellower effect. Yellow and green are popular analogous hues.

3) Saturation Levels

Most paint swatches will have seven variations of the same hue ranging from darkest to lightest. As a general rule, the lightest version works great on the ceiling, while the darkest version is appropriate for accents and accessories. The wall color will come from one of the versions in the middle and typically lighter is better, because the color almost always ends up looking darker once painted on the wall.

4) Brightness

Many paint decks will have two sections: Neutrals and Brights and within each sections you will find purples, pinks, blues, greens, etc. but you’ll notice that the neutral version of purple is a lot less bright than well, the “bright” version of purple :) The neutral versions of colors appear more dull - not in the boring way, but in the way of having more gray mixed into the true hue and thus producing a mellow, subdued look. Brights are bold, vivacious and attention getting. Neutrals are quieter, subtle, and less obvious. You will need to decide what feeling you want to evoke in your space.

And just for fun, you can check out more about Color Psychology and what your favorite colors say about you here:

About.Com (Psychology of color)
Color-Wheel-Pro.Com (the meanings of color)
AssociatedContent.Com (what color says about you)

If you need a little more help and inspiration, you know where to find me and I'd love to help you bring a little color into your life!

The Style Network - Saturday, February 20th @ 9pm

Tune it to the Style Network's What I Hate About Me tonight at 9pm PST for another organizing segment by your truly!

Tonight's episode features basic tips on how to organize frequently misplaced items. I haven't seen it yet, but it was fun to shoot at the studio and I hope it turned out great!

What I Hate About Me Resource list for past episodes - (I worked with Barika and Genelle)

Upward Bound House Opening

After a grueling and sometimes frantic week, the designers of the Upward Bound House project pulled it all together for one fantastic opening celebration last Friday, January 29th. The rooms were stunning and the positive feedback from visitors and project supporters was so appreciated by everyone involved. The project garnered much attention and several links to articles and photos are included below. A professional photoshoot will take place next week once the electrical is hooked up and the shelter doors will open soon after. Once again, thanks to my supporters and donors - this wouldn't have been possible without you.



LA Times
Curbed LA Blog Post
Inhabitat Post
Grace Hilton Blog
EMI Blog
Shoebox Decor
Kelly LaPlante Blog
eTTa Designs Blog
Turquoise LA Blog

I know there are other blogs and articles that I must have missed so please comment with a link to those postings!

I am also continuing to accept donations via paypal because I have "adopted" my apartment for the year and will be responsible for supplying new bedding and towels for the new families that move in - 4 families total throughout the year.

Rain be damned - the project must go on!

Even the unrelenting rain in normally sunny socal can't slow me down. I've spent the past two days splashing through an endless sea of water and doing more hydroplaning than driving! But it was all worth it because I was able to cross a big number of items off my design list for project Upward Bound. Terry at Hotel Surplus donated some key pieces I needed (dining table, bench, mirror, art and more.) Paul at Zia Priven is putting together fantastic table lamps and a pendant light. Anna's Linen's turned out to be the motherload for cool, inexpensive bedding, linens and things. I was so excited to get all the textiles home and discover that they all coordinated perfectly! You see, I committed one of the cardinal sins of shopping: blind color matching! I forgot to take my paint swatches and fabric with me. Thankfully I've always had a pretty good eye for this so everything looks like its going to work out just fine. Well, tomorrow painting and set-up begins. Only 6 more working days before opening day, which means you can still send donations to help complete the room! See previous post below for a Donation link through PayPal. Stay tuned for updates!
-Christy

Online donations for Upward Bound are now easy with PayPal!

I know how hectic things can get (I'm really feeling the craziness this month!) so I created a PayPal Donation link to make it super easy for all of those who want to donate and be done with it! Any amount will help me make my room for the Upward Bound families amazing.

Here's an example of what your money will help us buy:
$80 - 4 Dining chairs from IKEA
$30 - 1 twin "bed-in-a-bag" set from Anna's Linen's
$10 - Bath mat from IKEA
$64 - 4 bath towels for 4 families

You will also receive a donation receipt if you provide your address. Donate a little or a lot and stay posted to this site for updates, progress and pictures! And a HUGE "Thank You" to all who have already donated products and money!