Organizing Jewelery: Part I

I'm in the middle of a huge jewelery organization project right now.  I will share pictures and tips when I'm done that I think are helpful.  By the way, this is the photograph that made me realize I needed to get it together...

Mine was organized back in San Francisco. BUT...if you can believe it, I have yet to unpack most of it since my move to Boston {which was over a year ago}. 

I noticed when I was cleaning out the goods that I had several older pieces that I was starting to forget the memories behind, which worried me. And because of this, I started to take pictures of my most treasured pieces that were previously owned by family members.  This way I could start an electronic file with all the details behind the different pieces.

I think if you have multiple pieces, it's a wonderful way to keep family heirlooms in your memories forever...

These stands were made by my mom, I just got them in the mail this week.  Love what she did...{if you're reading, Thanks Mom!} I'm not sure what I'm going to use them for yet, but I finally got a few pics of them!  I hope the above tip is helpful.  It really didn't take that much time to do the cataloging.  More updates to come soon!  And in the meantime, you can check out Tiffany's  wonderful tips too!



*Thank you to Simplified Bee for the blogger award!  If you haven't checked our her fabulous blog, head on over!
*Top Photograph: Patrick Cline for Lonny Mag

Style Files

Excited to introduce a new blog, Caitlin Wilson Design: Style Files. I've exchanged a few emails between Caitlin and she is seriously the sweetest thing!  She's a designer living in Dubai, and her home has been inspired by a lot of treasures found at the market there.  Take a peek at her work to see the amazing things you can expect to see on her blog...

All the details and more pics are on her blog...and yes, she did paint that gorgeous wall!  The DIY project is there in detail too!

Thanks Caitlin for sharing your beautiful home!

10 Habits of Highly Organized People

A list of the 10 Habits of Highly Organized People came out this month in O magazine.  I thought the title was a cool play off of this book.  They make some good points.  Lets go over their list...

1. Walk away from bargains

We've all done it...bought something just because it was on sale.  I have to stop myself constantly from doing this. For example, the above pillow by Nate Berkus is on sale for $5.  I have no use for this in my home, but isn't the price tempting {someone go buy it!}?  If I did buy it, all it would do is take up crucial space in my tiny apartment.

2.  Make peace with imperfection

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The article says, "efficient people give "A-level effort" to the most important projects".  Basically, if you're trying to do every project perfect, you aren't using your time wisely.  For example, trying to make your bed picture perfect every day is not a good use of time.  Even though it's not necessarily a project, it's a daily task that doesn't need a good amount of your time.  Spend more time on an important work assignment, etc.

3. Never label anything miscellaneous

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Guilty.  I have a miscellaneous file.  I honestly don't know what's in it, and need to go through it.  They say that's the exact reason why you shouldn't have one.

4.  Schedule regular decluttering sessions

Spending 15 minutes a day to tackle a pile of mail makes a big difference.  Or, spend time once a week tackling the tiny projects around your house.

5.  Stick with what works

If you have a favorite makeup line, product, etc.  stick to it.  Seeking out the next best thing is a waste of time and money.  

6.  Create a dump zone

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This habit is an important one.  To be honest, I'm not always organized.  There are areas of my house that I need to tackle, but there isn't always time.  Having a box or basket on hand to keep papers {and projects in that you can't get to right away} is great.  BUT...be careful, if you don't go back to declutter, you have another "miscellaneous pile" on your hands.  

7.  Ask for Help

Don't be afraid to ask a friend for backup during a time in need.

8.  Separate emotions from possessions

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They say to keep a special vase from Paris that you love, but get rid of your old concert t-shirt from 10 years ago.  Just let it go...

9.  Foresee and avoid problems

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If you have a packed cabinet, "take a few minutes to short-circuit an avalanche before it happens".  

10.  Know where to donate

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Always know where your donation destination is and visit regularly.

I personally think a lot of the habits above just may be effective. What about you?  Do you have a habit that keeps you organized?

sure things for spring

Fun article in O Magazine this month from fashion insiders on the "Five Sure Things For Spring". There are some lovely tidbits from Jenna Lyon, including J.Crew's mantra for Spring, "borrowed from the boys"....and this little shot into their office. Love the inspiration wall, the pink table, the chairs and of course all the perfectly stacked, {absolutely gorgeous} rows of bright yellow luggage! Makes me excited for Spring...although from the looks of my last post, you can see it's far from here!

this morning

I live only a block from the Charles River, but seem to rarely walk over in the winter.  Today on my walk back from grabbing coffee, I decided to make a quick stop.  I had my little camera with me and took a few shots of the dumping snow.  I have yet to see the snow let up, but classes are still on.  Shucks.

 so peaceful.  

I mentioned this in my previous post, but I'm guest posting at Emily A. Clark today...come on over!

peek

I'm over at Emily A. Clark guest posting today as part of her blogger bedroom series...come take a peek.

a happy office

I mentioned a while back that I purchased a print for Tiffany's new office and now I finally put together a little inspiration for her new space.  This office is in a work setting and one wall is a BRIGHT green and one is a BRIGHT blue, so all the items needed to work with the wild colors and be really inexpensive.  This is a little inspiration for her space:   

   

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Tiffany wanted a throw and pillows for her multiple chairs.  The pillows have both wall colors incorporated in them, and are on sale for under $13.  The throw is under $10, and neutral due to her bright walls.  She has a large bookshelf that needed extra storage, so I've added magazine folders and boxes.  If you click on the link below the photo, you can see the break down.

Also, because I'm out of my mind it seemed fitting, I put together a casual friday outfit inspired by her room {this on the other hand is not inexpensive}:

lastly, we wish you all a very happy valentine's day!

valentine: meghan eplett for kate spade