Happy New Year to you all! I hope 2015 is treating you well and, if you're in my neck of the woods, I hope you're staying warm. It's 9 degrees outside right now with a windchill of -17. I'm happy to be inside!
I left you in November with a few thoughts on what I was most thankful for and a notice that I was planning to take the month of December off from blogging to spend time with family and friends and truly enjoy the holiday season. That break was a blessing! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season as well.
Taking some time away from this blog allowed me to realize how much of a chore it had become in my life. I started this blog with an excitement about writing and sharing my love of organization with all of you. As the year went on, I cut back more and more on my posting schedule until later in 2014 when I was posting just once a week. Trying to balance a full-time job, upkeep on our home, our strict budget, and this blog was wearing on me and I felt like the quality and enthusiasm of my posts was dwindling. I promised myself that I'd take December off and not really think about my busy to do schedule.
Once we rang in 2015, I sat down to focus my goals for the year and think about what was really important to me. Spending quality time with my family, supporting my Mister through another year of Master's classes, and taking time to enjoy the little things won out. I don't want to make it sound like I don't enjoy the time I spend here in this space, because that is certainly not true. I love sharing organizational tips and tricks, projects around our home, and just life updates in general. Even more, I love your comments, messages, and social media follows. That makes my decision to step back even further that much more difficult.
I'm not really sure what the future of Open Concept Organizing looks like and I'm trying not to worry about it too much either. I'm content with taking things day by day. I plan to keep my Facebook page up and running - sharing organizing articles and blog posts from other bloggers around the world wide web. But beyond that, the future is unknown.
What I do know is that I love and appreciate all of you and thank you for your support over the last year. The blog will stay active so all past posts will remain available, with one small change. Just this week, the web address of the blog changed. To find me, you'll need to visit www.openconceptorganizing.blogspot.com. The old link will no longer work (www.openconceptorganizing.com). You may have to update your bookmarks to reflect this change.
I wish you all a very blessed 2015!
Friday, January 9, 2015
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
T is for Thankful
My original intent for this post was to pick one of my favorite products and talk about all the reasons I am thankful for it, hoping to share some ways to use this product outside of its original purpose. But then I started thinking about the long list of all of the things I’m thankful for, and my intent changed dramatically.
I have been blogging here at Open Concept Organizing for about a year. (Can you believe it’s been a year already?) This is post #93! I’ve learned a ton about the World Wide Web, the land of blogging, organizing and what it means to be organized, and about myself. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know some online friends who I wouldn’t have known without this blog, and I’ve had some opportunities to get to know the people around me in my own community just through networking this blog. For all of these things, I am thankful.
But my thankfulness goes well beyond that of this digital home of mine. I’m thankful for my mister who lets me write about our home and the happenings within it. He never once rolled his eyes at one of my crazy project ideas (or at least didn’t let me see him do it.) He encourages me and supports me day in and day out. And I’m thankful for my family who read my posts pretty diligently. They also provide encouragement and support, and are more than willing for me to “practice” organizing with and for them any time.
Beyond that, I’m thankful every morning for a new day, for a body that is healthy and working. I am thankful for my day job that allows me to help pay our bills, have a little fun, and blog in my free time. I’m thankful for a roof over my head and heat coming out of the furnace. I’m thankful that I have a car to drive to get to where I need to go. I’m thankful for the food in our cupboards and I’m thankful that when I go to the grocery store to buy more, I have the means to do so. I’m thankful that pure, clean, drinkable water comes out of my faucet whenever I turn it on and bright light comes out of the fixtures in our home when I flip the light switch.
Though technology can be overwhelming sometimes, I’m thankful for the internet and the ability to make friends around the world without leaving my home. I’m thankful for so much knowledge at my fingertips and I’m thankful for the desire to learn that has been planted in me.
Even further beyond that, I’m thankful for my faith. I’m thankful that I live in a place that allows me to express it freely and openly.
As the holiday season rolls in, I’m overwhelmed at just how much I have to be thankful for and I’m reminded of the real reason I celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m reminded that it’s not about rushing around, spending money, eating until my pants don’t fit, and gaining more new things. It’s about reflection. It’s about giving. It’s about sharing time with those we love and showing love to those who need it. It’s about the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. It is about hope and peace and gratefulness.
I’ve decided to take a few weeks away from this place. I enjoy blogging here so much, but with a regular full-time job and a full social calendar, it’s hard to squeeze in the time to write quality stuff while staying focused on the meaning of the season. So, I bid you farewell temporarily. I wish you and yours a very thankful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas season. I plan to return in January with a new year of organizing posts, tips, tricks, and excitement.
Don’t forget about me while I’m gone and I promise, I won’t forget about you.
I have been blogging here at Open Concept Organizing for about a year. (Can you believe it’s been a year already?) This is post #93! I’ve learned a ton about the World Wide Web, the land of blogging, organizing and what it means to be organized, and about myself. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know some online friends who I wouldn’t have known without this blog, and I’ve had some opportunities to get to know the people around me in my own community just through networking this blog. For all of these things, I am thankful.
But my thankfulness goes well beyond that of this digital home of mine. I’m thankful for my mister who lets me write about our home and the happenings within it. He never once rolled his eyes at one of my crazy project ideas (or at least didn’t let me see him do it.) He encourages me and supports me day in and day out. And I’m thankful for my family who read my posts pretty diligently. They also provide encouragement and support, and are more than willing for me to “practice” organizing with and for them any time.
Beyond that, I’m thankful every morning for a new day, for a body that is healthy and working. I am thankful for my day job that allows me to help pay our bills, have a little fun, and blog in my free time. I’m thankful for a roof over my head and heat coming out of the furnace. I’m thankful that I have a car to drive to get to where I need to go. I’m thankful for the food in our cupboards and I’m thankful that when I go to the grocery store to buy more, I have the means to do so. I’m thankful that pure, clean, drinkable water comes out of my faucet whenever I turn it on and bright light comes out of the fixtures in our home when I flip the light switch.
Though technology can be overwhelming sometimes, I’m thankful for the internet and the ability to make friends around the world without leaving my home. I’m thankful for so much knowledge at my fingertips and I’m thankful for the desire to learn that has been planted in me.
Even further beyond that, I’m thankful for my faith. I’m thankful that I live in a place that allows me to express it freely and openly.
As the holiday season rolls in, I’m overwhelmed at just how much I have to be thankful for and I’m reminded of the real reason I celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m reminded that it’s not about rushing around, spending money, eating until my pants don’t fit, and gaining more new things. It’s about reflection. It’s about giving. It’s about sharing time with those we love and showing love to those who need it. It’s about the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. It is about hope and peace and gratefulness.
I’ve decided to take a few weeks away from this place. I enjoy blogging here so much, but with a regular full-time job and a full social calendar, it’s hard to squeeze in the time to write quality stuff while staying focused on the meaning of the season. So, I bid you farewell temporarily. I wish you and yours a very thankful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas season. I plan to return in January with a new year of organizing posts, tips, tricks, and excitement.
Don’t forget about me while I’m gone and I promise, I won’t forget about you.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
8 Steps to a Less Stressful Holiday Shopping Experience + FREE Shopping Plan Printable
My mister and I budget for Christmas year round, meaning that each paycheck, a little bit of money goes into a “gift fund” that we use to purchase not only Christmas gifts, but birthday gifts and other presents throughout the year. Regardless of whether you budget for Christmas year round or not, having an organized approach is key to a less stressful holiday shopping experience.
Organized shopping, to me, means having a plan and setting up a budget ahead of time. To make this easier, I've created a free holiday shopping printable that you can download and use to organize your upcoming shopping experience. Click here to download it!
Let's walk through the plan together.
Step One: Determine your budget
Many people start their shopping process by making a list of who they need to buy for. I say start with your budget and fit your list into it. Decide on a predetermined amount that you’re willing/able to spend on Christmas and write it down.
Step Two: Make a list
Once you have an overall budget amount in writing, make a list of every person you intend to buy a gift for.
Step Three: Check your list twice
Rethink your list you created in step two. Are you forgetting anyone? How about teachers, neighbors, hair stylists, mail people, co-workers, church members, etc? In order to stick to your budget, you want to avoid those last minute I-forgot-to-get-a-gift-for-so-and-so moments.
Step Four: Assign a denomination to each person on the list
Divide your total budget among all the people on your list. Maybe you want to spend more on family than on friends, or spend more on children than adults. That is all up to you. Divvy up your total budget to each person until it’s all accounted for. Don’t forget to include wrapping/shipping supplies in your budget too! Those expenses can add up quickly.
Step Five: Generate gift ideas for each person
Now that you have a maximum spending price for each person on your list, brain storm some ideas for gifts in that price range. Many websites like Amazon allow you to search for gifts under a certain price. You can also find a lot of gift giving guides online that offer suggestions for certain age groups, family members, etc. Don’t forget about handmade gifts too. You could bake some special treats, make a craft, give a photo in a nice frame, etc. Sometimes those handmade gifts are much more meaningful than something store bought.
Step Six: Research the average cost of your gift ideas and narrow them down accordingly
If you have a $10 limit for someone, and find that 3 gift ideas cost $20 and one costs $8, stick to the gift item within your budget. Then, check leaked Black Friday ads, Amazon, and other retailers ahead of time to determine the best price/location to purchase your gift. Two weeks ago, I started seeing leaked Black Friday ads, so they are out there! If you are hand-making gifts, check ads for ingredients and supplies.
Step Seven: Plan your shopping route ahead of time
Take a look at your list and decide which items should be purchased online and which items you need to visit a brick and mortar store. If you are relying on Black Friday sales or cyber Monday sales, make a note of which stores/websites you need to visit either day.
Step Eight: Make your purchases
Keep track of how much you actually spend on each gift. If you end up under budget, you could buy something for yourself, add a small gift to someone on your list, roll your savings into next year’s holiday spending, or donate it to a local charity.
Don't forget to download your free printable to help you organize your shopping list according to the steps above. Take some deep breaths and get organized now so that your stress levels remain low and you can truly enjoy this holiday season.
_________________________________
By the way, how are you doing on this month's organizing challenge? Don't forget to share your photos on Instagram or comment on the challenge post with your results!
Do you budget for holiday spending year round? How do you keep your shopping list organized?
This post was shared in a link party at:
Organized shopping, to me, means having a plan and setting up a budget ahead of time. To make this easier, I've created a free holiday shopping printable that you can download and use to organize your upcoming shopping experience. Click here to download it!
Let's walk through the plan together.
Step One: Determine your budget
Many people start their shopping process by making a list of who they need to buy for. I say start with your budget and fit your list into it. Decide on a predetermined amount that you’re willing/able to spend on Christmas and write it down.
Step Two: Make a list
Once you have an overall budget amount in writing, make a list of every person you intend to buy a gift for.
Step Three: Check your list twice
Rethink your list you created in step two. Are you forgetting anyone? How about teachers, neighbors, hair stylists, mail people, co-workers, church members, etc? In order to stick to your budget, you want to avoid those last minute I-forgot-to-get-a-gift-for-so-and-so moments.
Step Four: Assign a denomination to each person on the list
Divide your total budget among all the people on your list. Maybe you want to spend more on family than on friends, or spend more on children than adults. That is all up to you. Divvy up your total budget to each person until it’s all accounted for. Don’t forget to include wrapping/shipping supplies in your budget too! Those expenses can add up quickly.
Step Five: Generate gift ideas for each person
Now that you have a maximum spending price for each person on your list, brain storm some ideas for gifts in that price range. Many websites like Amazon allow you to search for gifts under a certain price. You can also find a lot of gift giving guides online that offer suggestions for certain age groups, family members, etc. Don’t forget about handmade gifts too. You could bake some special treats, make a craft, give a photo in a nice frame, etc. Sometimes those handmade gifts are much more meaningful than something store bought.
Step Six: Research the average cost of your gift ideas and narrow them down accordingly
If you have a $10 limit for someone, and find that 3 gift ideas cost $20 and one costs $8, stick to the gift item within your budget. Then, check leaked Black Friday ads, Amazon, and other retailers ahead of time to determine the best price/location to purchase your gift. Two weeks ago, I started seeing leaked Black Friday ads, so they are out there! If you are hand-making gifts, check ads for ingredients and supplies.
Step Seven: Plan your shopping route ahead of time
Take a look at your list and decide which items should be purchased online and which items you need to visit a brick and mortar store. If you are relying on Black Friday sales or cyber Monday sales, make a note of which stores/websites you need to visit either day.
Step Eight: Make your purchases
Keep track of how much you actually spend on each gift. If you end up under budget, you could buy something for yourself, add a small gift to someone on your list, roll your savings into next year’s holiday spending, or donate it to a local charity.
Don't forget to download your free printable to help you organize your shopping list according to the steps above. Take some deep breaths and get organized now so that your stress levels remain low and you can truly enjoy this holiday season.
_________________________________
By the way, how are you doing on this month's organizing challenge? Don't forget to share your photos on Instagram or comment on the challenge post with your results!
Do you budget for holiday spending year round? How do you keep your shopping list organized?
This post was shared in a link party at:
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
DIY Jewelry Organizer
Somehow we accumulate a lot of corks. I’m not sure how…
I hang on to them, knowing that someday I will use them in some sort of project. I used a bunch when I made our bulletin board for the command center. And I found another use for them this week!
I’ve had the same jewelry box for about nine years. It’s cluttered and no longer working well. Updating the master bedroom has motivated me to update this storage solution to something less cluttered and fresh.
I started with two 8x10 photo frames with a silver finish. I found these at the Dollar store for just $1 each. I also picked up a couple yards of unbleached muslin at JoAnn’s for $1.19 a yard.
I cut out two squares of the muslin and wrapped it around the backing of the frames, securing it with a hot glue gun.
I folded the corners kind of like a Christmas present to keep them flat.
Once the fabric was in place, I wanted to add some corks to actually hang my jewelry from. I decided to cut most of them in half so they wouldn’t stick out too far from the frame.
Cutting corks with a knife proved more difficult than I anticipated. It was difficult to get a straight edge on the cut side. And, if you know anything about my history with knives, this project quickly became more dangerous than I’d like. Scissors worked much better.
I cut 9 corks in half and then secured them to the top of each frame with the hot glue gun. A few wine-stained corks provided a nice purple hue and added some color to the project.
Finally I added two larger champagne corks in the bottom corners to hold bracelets and round necklaces.
I found 5/8 inch cup hooks at Lowes and they screwed into the corks very easily. I added the hooks as I added the necklaces because I wasn’t sure I wanted or needed a hook in every cork. I ended up with 7 hooks in each frame. The tiny hooks are strong enough to hold two light necklaces or one heavier one.
I hung the frames over the dresser and the jewelry became wall décor itself, but that wasn’t quite enough. The wall felt too empty. I wanted to add a mirror to the room to bounce some light around but I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of buying a new mirror especially since the cheapest one I could find was $40 and it was rather plain.
I had a large 22x28 frame sitting in the basement unused, so I went to Lowes and purchased a new sheet of mirror glass. They cut it down to the size I needed for free. Then I just removed the glass on the frame and replaced it with the mirror. The dark wood finish of the frame didn’t really blend well with the rest of the bedroom, so I wrapped the frame in the muslin fabric as well, securing it in the back with the glue gun.
I simplified the dresser décor quite a bit, leaving only a stack of books, our sand ceremony box from our wedding, and some dried flowers I’ve received from the mister over the years. A couple dishes from HomeGoods hold earrings, rings, and pins.
Here is the dresser before:
And here is the after:
These new organizers make choosing accessories in the morning much easier because I can see all of my options at once. And with a limited number of hooks, I’m forced to keep my jewelry collection to a moderate size!
How do you organize your shiny accessories?
This post was shared in a link party over at:
I hang on to them, knowing that someday I will use them in some sort of project. I used a bunch when I made our bulletin board for the command center. And I found another use for them this week!
I’ve had the same jewelry box for about nine years. It’s cluttered and no longer working well. Updating the master bedroom has motivated me to update this storage solution to something less cluttered and fresh.
I started with two 8x10 photo frames with a silver finish. I found these at the Dollar store for just $1 each. I also picked up a couple yards of unbleached muslin at JoAnn’s for $1.19 a yard.
I cut out two squares of the muslin and wrapped it around the backing of the frames, securing it with a hot glue gun.
I folded the corners kind of like a Christmas present to keep them flat.
Once the fabric was in place, I wanted to add some corks to actually hang my jewelry from. I decided to cut most of them in half so they wouldn’t stick out too far from the frame.
Cutting corks with a knife proved more difficult than I anticipated. It was difficult to get a straight edge on the cut side. And, if you know anything about my history with knives, this project quickly became more dangerous than I’d like. Scissors worked much better.
I cut 9 corks in half and then secured them to the top of each frame with the hot glue gun. A few wine-stained corks provided a nice purple hue and added some color to the project.
Finally I added two larger champagne corks in the bottom corners to hold bracelets and round necklaces.
I found 5/8 inch cup hooks at Lowes and they screwed into the corks very easily. I added the hooks as I added the necklaces because I wasn’t sure I wanted or needed a hook in every cork. I ended up with 7 hooks in each frame. The tiny hooks are strong enough to hold two light necklaces or one heavier one.
I hung the frames over the dresser and the jewelry became wall décor itself, but that wasn’t quite enough. The wall felt too empty. I wanted to add a mirror to the room to bounce some light around but I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of buying a new mirror especially since the cheapest one I could find was $40 and it was rather plain.
I had a large 22x28 frame sitting in the basement unused, so I went to Lowes and purchased a new sheet of mirror glass. They cut it down to the size I needed for free. Then I just removed the glass on the frame and replaced it with the mirror. The dark wood finish of the frame didn’t really blend well with the rest of the bedroom, so I wrapped the frame in the muslin fabric as well, securing it in the back with the glue gun.
I simplified the dresser décor quite a bit, leaving only a stack of books, our sand ceremony box from our wedding, and some dried flowers I’ve received from the mister over the years. A couple dishes from HomeGoods hold earrings, rings, and pins.
Here is the dresser before:
And here is the after:
These new organizers make choosing accessories in the morning much easier because I can see all of my options at once. And with a limited number of hooks, I’m forced to keep my jewelry collection to a moderate size!
How do you organize your shiny accessories?
This post was shared in a link party over at:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
