2/9/17 My Journey to Organization

How did I get here? Hmm, that is a very good question with a complex answer. I am not entirely sure myself; I believe that it has something to do with my love for beauty, desire for orderliness, and attempts at environmental responsibility. When I was young, like third grade, I moved from my old house to my current house. As with any other normal moving process, there was lots of cleaning to do. I began to realize just how many possessions I had. My closet was bursting full of clothes, I was stashing old school papers on shelves, and I had a whole host of items that I didn’t even like thrown haphazardly around my room. Even worse, I found my room distasteful and stressful to be in. I was restless at night because I felt like I had no control over my life (which was quite clear given that my room was in shambles and I could never find anything). I finally decided to do something about it after being inspired by my friends’ clean rooms and some particularly horrible episodes of “Hoarders.” I began the long process of sorting and cleaning out. In the beginning it was quite difficult. I felt emotionally attached to EVERYTHING. Throwing away old, crumpled art projects was torture and I actually shed a tear after giving away some dresses that were way too small. As pathetic as that sounds, it really helped me to realize that I had to change my mindset. To be continued…

2/2/17 Memory Boxes

Memories are our greatest treasures. As organizing enthusiasts, holding on to items from our past can sometimes be cumbersome and unwanted. I am a firm believer in memory boxes, however. It is important to distinguish between “junk” and sentimental items. While it is okay to hold on to little trinkets that remind you of special times and events in our lives, it is crucial to remember that these things are not clutter and DO serve a purpose. As always, moderation is key. We want to have things to look back on as we age but these things should not rule our lives or overflow into all rooms of our house. A simple bin or box will do, limit yourself to this single space for all of your special items. As time progresses, contain all of your mementos in this precious box. Having a central place to contain all of your sentimental items will help you to keep inventory, remain organized, and stay clutter free. Memory boxes are so special, a single item from your past could spark hundreds of memories. One of the greatest gifts a parent could give their child is a collection of special items from their child’s past. This is a great gift to give your child around age twelve, allowing them the freedom to continue to add to their box as they grow older. Memory boxes are great for organizational and sentimental purposes. If you do not have one yet, I highly recommend that you create one. As always, happy organizing:-)

1/25/17 How to Have an Enjoyable Run

Everyone has a running horror story. Maybe your shoe fell off, your sock was rubbing, your watch broke, or the run just dragged on FOREVER. For some people, that last example is commonplace (unfortunately). However, it doesn’t have to be that way. The key is finding out how to make your run enjoyable (if running isn’t that enjoyable for you to begin with).

My first tip is to find music that is tasteful and upbeat. This will give you something to think about and will help to let your mind wander from the run.

Second, find comfortable shoes and clothing, if you are self conscious you will enjoy your exercise less.

Third, run with a friend, if possible. It is always comforting to have company and good conversation will make the run quick and more interesting. Also, having a partner will help to motivate you to perform at your best!

Fourth, find a scenic area to go for a jog. Pounding feet on drab cement is disheartening for anyone, a pretty park or mysterious woods could be the adventure you have been waiting for!

Fifth, make a goal. Maybe this goal is a certain mile pace or maybe you decide to run a race you have always wanted to sign up for. Whatever it is, keep it in mind as you run. This will help to give your run a purpose and will make you stay motivated.

Running is a great way to stay active so find a way to work it into your schedule- it might just give you the energy to stay organized. As always, happy organizing:-)

1/12/17 How to Get Organized in 2017

A new year means new opportunities to stay organized. If your resolution was to get organized and stay clean in 2017, this is the perfect opportunity for you to pick up some helpful tips.

My first tip is to make a calendar complete with the times and descriptions of events to come. This will help you to remember important dates and stay on time.

My second tip is to establish habits to stay tidy. Make your bed each morning and set aside a day of the week to do the dusting and another for the vacuuming.

Third, do a purge of your possessions to start off the new year. Donate or throw away items that you no longer need.

Fourth, find a system of organization that works for you and your possessions. This will help to insure that organizing becomes a second nature.

Another helpful tip is to find a system to monitor your finances. I know that I blogged about this at an earlier time, but it is so important! Keeping track of your spendings and earnings will help you to become more financially responsible.

Finally, be transparent with yourself. If your “organizing” consists of shoving things under beds and forcing closet doors shut, you aren’t doing it right! The best tip to stay organized is to keep the maximum amount of your possessions visible. If you are forced to constantly see your possessions, you will be more willing to let go of less desirable items that you have clung to (for no particular reason) in the past.

Start 2017 off strong, this is your year to get life organized! As always, happy organizing! 🙂

1/5/17 Minimalism

Merriam Webster defines minimalism as “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.” This is a practice that I have been trying to incorporate into my life for the past year or so. The first step when organizing is grouping like items together. After completing this step I often find that I have duplicates or an unnecessary amount of a specific type of item. I use this process to help me discern which items to donate or throw away. After purging myself of these unnecessary items, I am able to complete the organizing process. Minimalism has taught me how to live with the least possible amount of items. For example, instead of having three mediocre flashlights, keep just one nice flashlight. Another important part of living minimally is not recklessly spending and demanding instant gratification. Reckless spending leads to accumulation and being seduced by instant gratification can cause a person to become wasteful. That being said, when it is necessary to purchase an item, it is best to purchase something neutral. In jewelry, pearls and diamonds are durable and neutral while white, creams, and black are neutral colors in clothing and accessories. Lastly, it is important to consider how well made or durable an item is, the better quality the smaller chance that you will have to buy other items to replace it. Minimalism is applied best to more permanent items. Duplicates and accumulation of things like toiletries and cosmetics are understandable as they will eventually be used. I encourage you to try minimalism, sometimes those who have the least possessions have the greatest amount of joy! Happy organizing:)

12/9/2016 Keeping Christ in Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy and and anticipation. Some call it the happiest time of year, others become anxious because they remember all of the shopping that they feel like they have to do. It is easy to get caught up and overwhelmed by all of the consumerism surrounding Christmas. My language of gift giving makes me extremely susceptible to this vice of consumerism. Recently, I have found myself constantly shopping, always searching for the perfect gifts for my dear friends and family. This has caused me to become anxious, greedy, and distracted. It is important to remember that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we could ever receive for Christmas. This beautiful baby is the Messiah. The Son of God, our Savior who came to earth in order to die for the atonement of our heinous sins. He was innocent and pure and yet died for the undeserving, sinful people that we are. I challenge all of you to keep Christ in Christmas and to remember that He is the reason for the season. Be anxious for His coming, not for the gifts and family reunions. Don’t miss Mass on Christmas too, this celebration will help you to recalibrate during this joyful day and blessed time of year. Also, be sure to contemplate the words presented at Mass each Sunday during Advent: Watch, Prepare, Rejoice, and Behold. Always keep Jesus at the center of your life and your heart will be filled with joy. In conclusion, I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas!

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:15-20

12/1/2016 Managing the Midterms

As exams approach, stress quickly increases. It can become hard to function normally among the frenzy and anxiety that accompanies midterms; that is why it is important to set parameters to alleviate stress. I recommend utilizing some of the below methods to manage this stressful time!

1. Make a Schedule:
   1. To ensure that you have adequate time to study for each exam, make a schedule to help you plan out studying. Give yourself at least a week of preparation before each exam.
   2. Set boundaries for study time. It isn’t healthy to study for hours on end without a break.
2. Take Breaks:
   1. Go for a run or walk when you aren’t studying. Exercise releases endorphins which will improve your mood and take some of the pressure off of you!
   2. Set aside specific times for breaks. For example: After every hour of studying, you take a 15 minute break.
3. Get Rid of Distractions:
   1. UNPLUG. Leave your phone downstairs or disable your social media accounts.
   2. Study in a clean and comfortable place.
   3. Steer clear of noisy and crowded areas when trying to study.
4. Prioritize:
   1. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Procrastination is dangerous and anxiety inducing. It is better to get the important things over with so that you will be able to enjoy time not spent studying.
5. Sleep Well and Often;
   1. It is important to sleep especially when trying to retain knowledge. REM sleep helps us to save information that we learned during the day.
   2. Sleeping is important for our health too; if you want to remain in good health it is imperative that you get an adequate amount of sleep each night.
   3. Quality ⍯ Quantity: Quality sleep is important. Unplug at least an hour before bed and make sure to wind down.
6. Decompress:
   1. Listen to music, light a candle, watch some Netflix, journal, or talk to a close friend or family member. Take some time to do something that you enjoy, you deserve it!

11/21/16 With A Thankful Heart

As Thanksgiving approaches we are reminded of the many things we have to be thankful for. However, as Christmas kicks into full swing, many people become preoccupied with material objects and lose sight of the things they have to be thankful for. This post is my way of centering myself on the important things and remembering all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me.

I am thankful for the following things:

1. My God and my faith
2. My loving family
3. Opportunity for education
4. My amazing friends
5. Phone calls from people I love
6. Attentive listeners
7. Organized spaces
8. My cozy room
9. My warm house
10. The sweet girl I tutor
11. Cute babies
12. Hope for the future
13. Heaven
14. Answered prayers
15. Coffee with friends
16. Pretty fall days
17. Blended English
18. Our beautiful world
19. Sledding
20. Playing cards with my brother
21. Talking with my sister
22. Making gifts
23. Spending time with the youth at my Church
24. Bible study
25. Infectious laughter
26. Babysitting
27. Time productively spent
28. Perfume and candles
29. When people have good hygiene
30. Popcorn
31. Sweet and salty + chewy and crunchy
32. When the elderly share their wisdom
33. Going on vacations with my extended family
34. Laughing until my sides hurt
35. Plane rides
36. Cool weather
37. Bracelets that are simple but pretty
38. Decking the halls
39. Exercising with my friends
40. Being sore after a good workout
41. Going to parties with friends
42. Movie nights
43. Running
44. Reading an interesting book
45. Upbeat music that makes you want to dance
46. Comfy and cozy clothes
47. Fish frys
48. Organizing things
49. Volunteering for the less fortunate
50. Forgiveness and perseverance
51. Being able to confide in a trusted friend
52. Confession
53. My health and my family’s health
54. Feeling comfortable around others
55. Knowing that God is in control

11/18/16 The Perfect Gift

As our celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas) quickly approaches, many relatives and friends are stumped with the same question year after year, “what should I buy for my wife/daughter/niece/friend/mother?” Today I have a simple algorithm for gift giving intended for the young adult or teenage women in your life. The solution is simple be practical. If the gift will not be used, there is no reason to buy it. Start by finding her interests and then pick a theme. It’s lame to get a gift card as the whole gift but they can be helpful to supplement and build upon a well thought out gift. I will now detail an ideal gift of about $100 that holds with the theme of accomplished and practical and is intended for a young woman. Start with the main item, this should be your largest and most expensive piece, if you play your cards right, the other components of the gift will often be able to fit within this gift. The main component for this gift is the Vera Bradley Trimmed Vera Traveler. It is a large travel tote with an attractive pattern; practical yet glamorous. Keeping with the theme, the next item is ZeroUV® Classic Half Frame Horned Rim Sunglasses. These sunglasses paired with a gray Nalgene Tritan Water Bottle will fill the standards for a practical gift. Finally, with the remaining money, perfume, like Cheerfully Pink by Tommy Hilfiger and a $10 giftcard to her favorite store or cafe can be purchased to perfect the gift. All that is left to do is present the fortunate young woman with the stylish bag, sunglasses, water bottle, perfume, and gift card that cost only about $100! A well thought gift doesn’t have to be an overly expensive one- your recipients will be pleasantly surprised by your thought and generosity while your bank account will remain happy and full.