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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

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It’s a necessary evil but it’s gotta get done: laundry.  Here’s a handy list of keeping things manageable and also a way to keep you from “laundry overload.” 

Thank you to Press Cleaners for helping me to manage my mamachallenge and this sponsored post.

There are two things I hate doing more than anything (yes, anything): dishes and laundry. 

But they both have to get done and unfortunately neither the dishwasher or the washing machine can do it all without your special interference. (Let’s fact it, those appliances should be renamed the “dish helper” and the “washing machine steps 2-3.”) 


Laundry

Get a fresh start both at school and home with these laundry tips.

Did you know that on average we spend up to eight hours a month on laundry-related activities?

Donate or Alter Old Clothes

Let’s face it, last year’s wardrobe probably doesn’t fit anymore because this summer’s growth spurt decided to take matters into its own hands. If you timed everything right, one sibling can easily jump into their older sibling’s hand me downs (a lot of us have been there). If not, think about throwing any old clothes into bags and taking them to a consignment sale like Just Between Friends (it’s my favorite.) Make a little money on your old clothes and you can stock up on clothes for the next season at extraordinary prices. 

Just Between Friends Fort Worth

Get Ready for New Stains

You know that giant box of markers you just received at SchoolSpecialty.com? You know who’s favorite color marker is going to make its mark on that brand new outfit you bought just two weeks ago. Luckily a lot of crayons and markers can easily be removed with some detergent and warm water, but if it turns nasty (looking at you, permanent markers), you’re going to need some heavier stain warfare. Make sure you’re stocked up on stain removal products so you can attack the stain once the 3:30 bell rings. If all else fails, enlist the expertise of your local dry cleaning professional, as they have more products to work with (mine says don’t do anything before you bring it to her because it can also do worth, so decide in advance who is going to take on that stain for success!) 

Freshen Up Household Linens

From the school supplies to the wardrobe, everything seems like it’s getting the refresh that it deserves — except for your home. Summer break means a lot of wear and tear on your home’s furniture and linens. With the kids in school and a regular schedule back in motion, think about professionally cleaning everything from bedding to drapery. In fact, you should try to freshen up household linens frequently since they’re essentially magnets for dust, sweat, and other less than desireable friends. So how often should you be cleaning certain linens and fabrics around your home?

Women spend nearly an hour a day on laundry and interior cleaning (compared to men at just 15 minutes on average)  

Here’s a quick guide for reference:

  • Bedding (Sheets/Pillowcases) – Weekly
  • Bath Towels – Clean After 4-5 Uses
  • Workout Towels – Clean After Each Use
  • Curtains – Every 1 to 3 Months
  • Duvet Cover/Comforter – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Pillows – Every 3 to 6 Months
  • Couch Cushion Covers – Every 3 to 6 Months

If you just went through that list and don’t know the last time you actually cleaned some of those items, it’s probably a good time to get it done. Some items, such as towels and sheets, can easily be cleaned at home. Others, such as curtains and couch covers, typically need professional care. If you smoke inside or have residents that are allergy-prone, you’ll want to increase the frequency of the cleanings.

All Hands On Deck: Laundry Day for the Family

Family laundry day? The words make me laugh, but even at the age of 6, my daughter is required to put in a little time. But when there’s just no time at all and the laundry starts to pile up like a national monument in your house, it’s time for reinforcements. Press (think uber for laundry) helps you get through the work so you can get to what you need to or even better, find time to spend as a family – not doing laundry. With free pickup and delivery, all you have to do is put it at the door and they’ll send it back to you – clean and folded! 

Laundry Press

Get $10 off your first order in Dallas or Fort Worth by using promo code “MAMACHALLENGE” at sign up.  

 

Just Clean It: Best Vacuum Cleaners

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Cleaning more than ever lately? Yes, having people, animals and seasons make it a constant job. But which vacuum is the best? Here’s our guide to the Best Vacuum Cleaners (as featured on Good Morning Texas.)

Disclaimer

When it comes to cleaning mamachallenge.com is always on a mission to find the easiest, quickest and most efficient way to get things spic and span so you can get to the things that really matter…like old episodes of Sex in the City and your pint of cafe au lait flavored gelato. When we brought up the topic of vacuums, I received tons of very passionate answers about what is the best (and worst) vacuum. But in efforts to not just take one’s opinion, we decided to take this mamachallenge head on to decide what is the best vacuum cleaner with our own tests.

Best Vacuum Cleaners


Working to be very scientific, we tested four vacuums in our special laboratory (i.e. my house) to see which vacuums didn’t suck…well in this case, did suck… but isn’t that the point? And we included links in case you wanted more info (and some of them are affiliate links.)

Best Vacuums 

Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robots, $399.99 – $699.99

First off came my new best friend, iRobot AKA Roomba. Many people said they couldn’t live without Roomba, so I was ready to see what he could really do. So I charged him up and let him go, literally. This circle-shaped robot does all the work for you with a scheduling mechanism, can be contained to one area and even talks to you. After one time around, I was pretty sure why everyone had a personalized named for their Roomba – he was like a new best friend.

Details:

  • AeroForce Performance Cleaning System delivers maximum cleaning performance by combining the power of new AeroForce Extractors with airflow acceleration and a high efficiency vacuum plus is virtually maintenance free.
  • iAdapt Responsive Navigation Technology enables Roomba to find its way around any shape or size of home, covering every area of floor multiple times for a complete clean.
  • iRobot XLife Extended Life Battery delivers twice as many cleaning cycles as previous Roomba batteries, doubling the time before you may need to replace your Roomba battery.
  • Scheduling enables you to preset Roomba to clean when it is most convenient for you, up to seven times a week.
  • Automatic Docking returns Roomba to its Home Base to recharge between cleaning sessions.

Eureka Brushroll Clean with SuctionSeal Bagless Upright Vacuum, $198 (only at Walmart)

When I was growing up we had a Eureka and I’m pretty sure my mom still has it somewhere in the back closet as it become part of the family. But this definitely isn’t my old Eureka. This one has all kinds of bells and whistles!

For me with a head full of hair and my dog Birddie, this vacuum was magical because it has a self-cleaning brushroll, so you never have to use scissors to cut away tangled hair and sucks them directly into the vacuum. Its versatility also allowed me to use it in every room on every surface. And personally, I love the autocord with the push of a button – genius!

Eureka

Details:

  • Brushroll Clean Technology removes tangles from the brushroll with the touch of a button
  • SuctionSeal Technology concentrates airflow for a deep clean on carpets and bare floors
  • On/Off brushroll turns on to deep clean carpets and off for scatterproof bare floor cleaning
  • AirSpeed Technology moves more air and removes more dirt for a deeper clean
  • Never loses suction, maintains powerful suction while vacuuming
  • High efficiency allergen filter reduces dust and allergens

Electrolux ErgoRapido Lithium Ion Brushroll Clean Xtra, $149 (Bestbuy) / $129 (Amazon)

The Electrolux ErgoRapido Lithium Ion Brushroll Clean Xtra is the cordless, 2-in-1 stick vacuum with a lithium battery so it lasts for a long time without charging and it actually works better than a nickel battery operated vacuum by four times. And it’s actually two vacuums in one. First as a stick vacuum and then you can detach the integrated handheld to reach furniture, countertops and all that other crap your kids leave for you to clean up.

Details:

  • High performance 14.4V Lithium turbo power battery for optimal cleaning performance, long run time and fast charge
  • Thoroughly clean the bare floors in your home with the motorized brushroll and cordless convenience
  • Patented self-cleaning brushroll – remove tangled hair from the brushroll with the touch of a button
  • 180° EasySteer(TM) Maneuverability for smooth turning and movement
  • 2-in-1 detachable handheld vacuum to clean above the floor
  • Patented self-cleaning brushroll-remove tangled hair from the brushroll with the touch of a button
  • 180 Degree EasySteer Maneuverability for smooth turning and movement

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal, $599

Like Roomba, people are incredibly passionate about their Dyson. And after using one, you’ll see why. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal vacuum might be an investment, but it’s because you’ll never have to buy anything else. You’ll never need a filter, comes with tons of accessories (it’s even got a bag for them), and you’ve got all you need to keep this vacuum going for years. What’s the real deal breaker? It never loses suction. The Dyson doesn’t move like any other vacuum either with the ball technology that allows it to move and get to places a normal vacuum wouldn’t. And for those of us with allergies, the Dyson Cinetic science captures allergens and bacteria and is engineered to ensure no dirty air escapes back into your home.

 

Details:

  • Dyson Cinetic science
  • No dirty filters to wash
  • Self-adjusting cleaner head
  • Dyson Ball technology
  • Whole-machine HEPA filtration

So what vacuum do you have?  

 

Knock, Knock! It’s Your Refrigerator

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Knock, Knock…who’s there? It’s your new fridge and all your other LG smart appliances helping you to make life easier. 

Thank you to Best Buy for sharing the light and this great deal with this sponsored post. 

How many times have you thought “I wish there were three of me?” 

Or how about “Can I just have a maid?” 


Or just wondered why the dishwasher could tell you how much was left of a cycle so you wouldn’t have to leave the couch during your binge watch of the Handmaid’s Tale? 

Move over Jetson’s because the time is now – especially at Best Buy with a great deal.

And these appliances are so sleek and beautiful and they clean, cook and keep it cool. 

LG Kitchen Best Buy

Even a mama with a kitchen full of new appliances can appreciate an upgrade. And these LG’s are such an upgrade. (And black is my favorite color!) 

LG’s exclusive Matte Black stainless steel combines the timeless look of stainless steel with a luxe & low-gloss matte finish that compliments any kitchen décor. These LG smart kitchen appliances are wi-fi and voice-enabled, allowing you to control your kitchen appliances remotely — from changing settings, to checking the status, or turning on or off. These smart appliances make life easier. 

LG INSTAVIEW DOOR-IN-DOOR

These cutting-edge refrigerators bring distinctive styling and innovation to your kitchen with a tinted glass panel that allows you to see inside the easy-access door without letting the cold air out. Simply knock twice on the glass to illuminate the contents within. Plus with up to 30 cubic feet of usable space, you always have room for whatever your fridge holds. AND they repel all those gross little fingerprints. 


 

LG SIDEKICK — PART OF THE LG TWINWASH SYSTEM

Meet your newest laundry ally — LG’s ingenious SideKick washer. Disguised as an everyday pedestal, this mini LG washer pairs with almost any LG front loading unit, so you can wash two loads at the same time.

 LG washers and dryers with SmartThinQ® technology will change the way you do laundry. You can start and stop wash cycles remotely, get updates when laundry is done and even receive reminders about scheduled maintenance.

LG TwinWash laundry_Family

 

Special deal at Best Buy on LG’s smartest appliances now until July 11: 

Summer Kitchen Bundle 

  • Purchase a 4-piece Kitchen Bundle and receive up to $400 INSTANT rebate.  LG and LG Studio models are eligible for this offer. 
  • The offer covers both Memorial Day and Independence Day.

LG Ultimate Laundry Room Rebate 

  • Purchase a qualifying laundry bundle and receive up to a $400 rebate

Learn more about these LG appliances on the Best Buy website.

 

Your Must-Have Laundry Sidekick

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Found that one white shirt at the bottom of the colors pile? With the LG TwinWash, life is good with this Must-Have Laundry Sidekick that does it all. 

Sponsored by Best Buy.

I HATE LAUNDRY. 

Like hate it BAD (almost as much as dishes.) I am the mom that often forgets to switch out the load from the wash to the dryer for a few days, then rewash it again (and sometimes one more time after I forgot AGAIN.) 


But it is a necessary evil that unfortunately can’t be put on autopilot, at least not yet. But it’s come a LONG way. 

I have been lucky that the same unit I’ve had for over a decade has done its duty. But with a move on the horizon, I was on the hunt for a new set and man I had no idea what all my washer and dryer could do. I mean until it folds itself and takes it to my closet, what else is left for a W/D to do? 

LG TwinWash laundry_Family

For me it always seems that at 9 pm is when my kid reminds me there’s some special shirt he’s supposed to wear and that’s the one that’s not clean. Or I’ll get to the bottom of the white load to put in the wash and there’s one color shirt there had been left out of the bunch, just looking at me, mocking me that now I have to clean all by itself, or wait until next time I fill up the colors load to get that one freaking shirt washed. 

Not only do these washers have mega capacity to tackle any size load, they are energy efficient for the best cleaning performance. 

Now at Best Buy until 4/25, receive up to $500 off a LG laundry solution for your home.

With LG’s TwinWash system you don’t have to make a choice between small, medium or a large load. Whether it’s my sweaty pants after hot yoga or the dirty uniform on a Sunday night, you can use the LG SideKick pedestal washer to do a little mini load. You can even use it simultaneously while you do a bigger load up top on your LG Front load washer. Now that’s how this mama wants to multitask. #mamachallenge 

LG TwinWash laundry_Family 

There’s a reason they call it LG. Life is good with this TwinWash in your laundry room. 

 

Light Up the World with Just a Switch

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You can make a difference in the world with just a flip of the switch. 

When I was in my 20s, I was ready to save everything. I wanted to save the rainforest, I marched for Gay Rights, I raised money for HIV/AIDS…you get it, I was active about giving back.

Actually it was my activism that started me in the blogosphere. I wanted to share my experience of having a CHD baby and through my story met so other moms JUST.LIKE.ME.

That was engagement. That was connection. That was real.


Direct-Energy

However, as a mom, while we are championing the efforts of our children, sometimes it gets hard to champion the other things that fill our hearts. It’s not that we don’t want to make an impact, but you just can’t always make time to make a difference in the world beyond your own home…

And as a parent we also feel compelled to teach our children to not just be good, but also to teach them to do good. Social responsibility IS something we should all do but it’s not always activism, but being smart about working with businesses that make activism part of their platform, too.

Direct-Energy

Direct Energy had a bright idea to actually make it THAT easy to make a change…just by turning on and off your lights.

Direct Energy recently partnered with MPOWERD to bring their solar Luci light to the developing world. For everyone who participates in Direct Energy’s Give Brighter 12-month plan, MPOWERD will send one Luci light to a developing part of the world, and to you!

Direct-Energy

1.5 billion people in the developing world live without electricity. That means when the sun goes down, women and children walk home in the dark. Or a health clinic can’t stay open. While many turn to kerosene lamps, they are dangerous to use, expensive to buy and maintain, and toxic to individuals and the environment.

Luci lights were created to provide a safe, efficient solution to help end life in the dark. Luci lights can shine for up to 12 hours on a single charge.

Direct-Energy

In every way life is impacted by a little Luci light, there is a big opportunity for a brighter future.

Learn more about the Luci Light and Direct Energy’s 12 month plan. 

What other organizations do you think do a good job of social responsibility?

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Direct Energy.  The opinions and text are all mine.

 

Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

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Need a quick way to get ready for back in the routine?  Today we’ve laid out three simple steps to getting organized for Back to School and a little inspiration from At Home Stores. With their new Back to Campus Collection, you can send off your student in style or get your “family control center” ready for a successful new school year. Thanks to At Home for partnering with us to getting our school year into high gear the right way! 

The countdown to back to school is on.

Part of me feels like “already?”…the other part says, “let’s do it.”


“Let’s be prepared. Let’s get a design to get organized.” (Only words a mom can appreciate.)

Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

I know we’ll be a hot mess by November, but remember, “work your plan, plan your work…”

We have a small area in our home that quadruples as a laundry room, gift wrapping/project room, mud room, pantry/appliance room…among other things. With a small room like that with so many purposes, you have to be smart with the space and how we treat it. Otherwise, it becomes a huge mess of everything and the “Land of where you can’t find anything.”

But with the help of At Home store’s new Back to Campus Collection, I was able to put to stock up on baskets, containers, and décor. These items, along with three tips, I was able to get it under control and get ready to roll for back to school!

3 Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

  1. Cut the Clutter
  2. Create a Collection
  3. Keep it Cute

Cut the Clutter 

Just start with two piles – to throw away or to keep. The “stuff” you don’t know what to do with goes in its own pile labeled trash or donation.  But don’t think long, you don’t, you won’t, so sort quickly and rely on that intuition to get it done.

getting organized for back to school

I purchased three of these large baskets from At Home and was able to immediately start putting things into their spot – to file, to throw away, to give away, and to put somewhere else!

Create the Collection

During the Cut the Clutter process, you’ll find out real quick what types of things you have in the space and how they can go together. For us, it was school stuff to keep, reading materials, things to file, and blog stuff. Then I was able to figure out how many plastic bin/containers I needed to put the like items away.

At Home

Baskets and containers make the world go ‘round when you’re organizing and At Home has aisles of them of every color, shape and size. Once you’ve decided what you want to put together, find a basket that fits it, and get to sorting.

Keep it Cute

Last of all, keep it cute. Why should being organized be sterile? With the At Home Back to Campus Collection, you have so many options of items that multitask as utility and décor. Just by adding a little pop of color against the color white or a contrasting shade can really make an impression. And of course, having a few words of encouragement or something that makes you happy each time you walk by does put a little bright spot in your day, especially when you’re going through calendars, to-dos, and checking homework.

Back to School At Home

With these three steps, you’re well on your way to a productive and effective space – no matter what size it is. For more tips, especially if you’re moving to a new dorm or apartment, then check out this Move-In Checklist.

Check out your At Home for Getting Back to School and your home store needs all year long! 

What do you do to get ready for Back to School?

 

Find Local Dog Sitters with ROVER.com

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Going on a vacation? Need your dog to get walked, fed, and loved while you’re away? Connect online easily with local dog sitters with ROVER.com. And get $20 off your first Rover.com with our special discount!

Our family was in dire need of a vacation. We all needed an opportunity to disconnect from digital and reconnect with each other for some good-ole fashioned fun with a family vacation.

dog sitters Rover.com


Unfortunately one member of the family who wasn’t able to make the trip to Mexico was Birddie, our lovely lab. If we were going to be gone for over a week, she was going to need someone to care for her and the one and only time we boarded her, she came home sick with kennel cough. Besides, she likes being at home, in her house, with her spot.

At the height of vacation time and no family nearby, we didn’t have any options of someone we knew who could just drop in on her, feed her, take her for walks and give her a little love.

HOW TO FIND DOG SITTERS WITH ROVER.COM

However, Rover.com made it easy not just to find someone to take care of our four-legged family member, but someone who made our vacation by sending heart-felt messages and photos for peace of mind.

All I had to do was go to Rover.com and list my needs (boarding, walk, feeding, etc.) and dates.

Rover.com dashboard

After posting, I almost immediately had several potential candidates for the job. I was able to pick the right person for the job based on their comments, locality, and reviews left from other Rover.com users. Then we agreed upon the dates/times, needs, and access etc. and then it was confirmed! I was even offered to meet with the sitter before leaving town for the ultimate comfort.

Just like a good mama, as part of my request, daily I received photos of my pooch to see her on her walks. That way I knew exactly that she wasn’t just being cared for, but having a nice time while we were away on vacay.

Rover.com

Rover.com

When we came home, she was there waiting for us and I knew she had been taken care of! There was even a note to say thank you for letting HER take care of Birddie! With reasonable costs and easy access to local care, we are so glad we found Rover.com and our special sitter!

MORE ABOUT ROVER.COM

Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, Rover is a trusted community where people can find, list, and book neighborhood dog lovers who can’t wait to watch their dog.

Rover.com

Whether you need a dog sitter, a dog walker, or daycare, Rover connects pet parents with people who’ll treat their dogs like family. And with over 92% of the population living within a short drive of one of the 40,000 sitters who’ve listed their services on Rover, it’s easy to find a sitter you and your dog will love.

If you’d like to try Rover.com, you can get $20 off by using this special affiliate link code: http://www.rover.com/refer/autumnr when you sign up!

Unique Umbrellas That Do More

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Umbrellas may be made to keep your dry, but in this day of technology and style, the umbrella can go the extra mile. We’ve found the most unique umbrellas that do more and give you a real reason to sing in the rain. 

Umbrella

As seen on Good Morning Texas


   

Bluetooth Umbrella // DAVEK 

  • Hidden in the handle of this sleek umbrella is a tiny Bluetooth-based “proximity chip.”
  • This chip broadcasts a silent signal, read by your smartphone.
  • When the distance between the chip and your phone exceeds a certain distance—30 ft or so—the umbrella sends a reminder to your phone.
  • Battery life is between 1-3 years. 
  • Get it: It’s only available online here, but this fall is set to be sold at high-end retailers. 

bluetooth-umbrella

Color Changing Umbrella // Walker

  • Color-changing umbrella is black with white raindrop design
  • When the umbrella has contact with water comes to life with lots of color
  • Returns to white when dry 
  • Well-made umbrella design
  • Get it: The Write Selection in Dallas or online here

Color Umbrella

LED Light “Light Saber” Umbrella // ZHOL

  • Perfect for your “Star Wars” fan, this umbrella lights up at the push of button. 
  • Press the button for several LED color choices. 
  • Light is Turn the light on in the dark street so that the car drivers aware you. Effective to prevent accidents
  • Get it: Found this one online for less than $20!

Star-Wars-Umbrella

Wine Bottle Umbrella // Vinrella

  • The best part of an umbrella? It keeps your dry? The worst part? When you fold it up indoors and it gets you all wet. 
  • This unique “Wine Bottle” umbrella stores in the bottle when closed and includes a strap so it can be carried on the wrist, bag, etc. 
  • Great for a wine lover, but a water bottle option gives a fitness buff a fun choice as well.
  • Get it: At gift shops like ‘Lil Shop on the Vine in Grapevine and online here. 

Wine-Umbrella

Umbrellas aren’t the only rain gear; goulashes/rain boots aren’t just for keeping you dry, they are very fashionable as well. A look on Pinterest will show you how to plan a whole outfit around the look – even when it’s not raining!  

 

Hunter Boots

{Hunter Tall Boots}

 

 

Sperry

{Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Cormorant Core Rain Boot}

Sperry

{Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Saltwater Rain Boot}

Sperry

{Sperry Top-Side Women’s White Water Rain Boot}

 

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Be the Boss of Your Home Office

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Whether you work from home or need a place to manage family business, creating an organized home office is fundamental for success. Get tips for what you need and visit The Container Store for more help on creating your dream home office.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the average worker telecommutes two days per month. And with the increase of technology, more companies are creating a virtual office environment. Another poll says the trend in 2016 is for more home-based businesses.  For me, I actually have a home-based company where I run my PR/social media company, manage mamachallenge.com, AND my family’s business, so it’s futile to have an effective space no matter how big it is.

So whether you have a defined space for an office, are looking to create a space in a spare bedroom, or you are truly mobile, you need to have a process to keep you moving in 2016!

 shutterstock_210077782


To be the CFO or CEO of your business, you’ll will need to SFO. That’s right we’re gonna SORT, FILE, and ORGANIZE.

Starting off with some help from my friends at The Container Store (start off at to save even more money – affiliate), one of my favorite stores EVER, I was able to get not just a few tips, but also find out about a NEW products that will get you going STAT.

SORT

Let’s start by going through the “stuff.” Start making piles of things that have like purposes – bills, kids’ stuff, items to file, to-do things, etc. From your piles you’ll figure out how you need to organize your stuff. then from there, you decided what types of space you’re going to need – exposed files, boxes, drawers, charge station, supplies… whatever makes sense to you.  

Tip: to prevent unnecessary clutter — and wasted time — limit the amount of items on your desk! 

[Pickup Power by Quirky]

How you’re going to keep your to-list managed, how you are to keep track of your appointments, what needs to do be done in a few months – those are all things you need to think about as you look at what you need in your home office space. 

Having a way to keep up with your to-d0 lists and your calendar is easiest with an agenda. [Find out how to choose the right agenda for you here.] However, not all agendas are the made the same way and sometimes people prefer to keep all information digitally [here’s what Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg uses], a hybrid, or take a hint from the office with a big calendar for the whole family and a white board. 

Planners

FILE

Now you need to decide how to categorize files into two categories: active and inactive. Keep active files accessible (on your desk, in a rolling file cart or in a filing cabinet) and store inactive files in a labeled storage box. This will reduce time spent rummaging through a huge stack of files that may not be current.

Reading a document over and over can waste valuable time. Minimize the number of times a document is read by immediately filing, discarding or placing the items in a “to do” file. The amount of paperwork on your desk will be greatly reduced by making this a part of your daily routine.

shutterstock_193500353

ORGANIZE

Now for someone like me, this is where it gets good! Now it’s time to get to work! This is where you start really putting your ideas to work. Since a significant amount of time is spent sitting behind a desk or in front of a computer, design your work area so that there’s a place for everything and that the telephone, notepads, pens, pencils and appointment book are at your fingertips. Place additional resources — but only those that are essential — within easy reach and begin putting things together!

[Synchronicity Stockholm Collection]

Tip: Don’t forget to utilize the often-wasted space available behind the door or on the wall over your desk like using the Perch System created by Urbio (featured on Shark Tank!)  

Now you’ve cleaned it up, let’s talk two tips that will really make a difference in your home office space!

COLOR

Most people fall into two categories – ones that like lots of color and ones that don’t.

First off, you’ll want to take into consideration where your office space is located. If it’s in the middle of another room, you’ll want it to blend. However, if you have a room to itself, then feel free to go in whatever direction you want, but having by using one color hue like white gives a sophisticated space that won’t make it feel like a work space, but more like a beautiful part of the house.

Color

Tips for Using Color

According to a study by UT at Austin, depending on your gender, the color of the room, can affect your mood differently. So you definitely want to think about who else has to encounter your space and how you want to feel working in your office. 

  • Blue: Creates a calming environment and positive well-being
  • Green: Initiates effectivity and happier mood
  • Red: Increases energy and activity
  • Yellow & Orange: Stimulates creativity

PROCESS

It’s all great if you clean up a space to look good, but if it doesn’t work for you, then it’s useless. Make sure the area works for your lifestyle, your family, your thought process, and most of all your work! However, the fundamental concept of having an inbox for things as they come in to do, a “In Processing” for the things you are working on, and either an Outbox for completed items or just to file them immediately, can easily keep your space and your workstream moving forward! 

shutterstock_173449544

Now are you motivated to get your space together? What are you organizing? 

Well here’s even more motivation – a giveaway for $5o Gift Card to The Container Store!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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5 Ideas to Organize Your Happy Space

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I heart The Container Store. It’s my happy place. And one trip can help you to organize your happy space – no matter where it is in your house! 

Everything is clean, monochromatic or at least color-coded, lots of white space, and full of people who totally appreciate that organizing things = calm amidst the chaos. Unfortunately, my family doesn’t appreciate that a little walk through The Container Store is only second to yoga for me (well, maybe not that much, but it does make me feel a little calmer.) I can only dream that in my little fantasy world everything would be like The Container Store. 

 
While I’ve figured out that I can’t live there, I can bring a few of the ideas home with me that are practical for my family and give me my Container Store fix. 
 

Closet/Mud Room
Isn’t this a fantastic way to organize and store all that stuff that makes it in the door each day? Backpacks, jackets, scarves, shoes and all that stuff has to have a space and unfortunately, at our house all we have is a few hooks and a drawer. But using the Elfa Closet System you can build any size of closet space that works for your house. And if you are  incapable to put it together – you can have someone from The Container Store to install it for you! 


Speaking of closets…did you know that The Container Store has more than 100 different types of hangers from you to choose from? They even have a video for that!  While my husband would wonder why you might even bother, I have to admit, since having kids, accessories, etc., I’ve learned that there is always the right hanger and it does make a huge difference. I mean can you imagine if Mommy Dearest had all these options? It might have been a whole different life for her! 

 
Office Space
Thankfully our laptops, tablets and smartphones have made it possible to “office” from anywhere, but you still have to have a central places to keep things like supplies, reminders, etc. There are several options that aren’t desk spaces that you can create that are customized for your needs and habits. Urbio Magnetic Modular System is a great option because it is a modular system that allows you to create the perfect space just for you that is also an attractive modern design that is green friendly as well (you may have seen it spotlighted on Shark Tank!) 
 
 
Cords
My name is Autumn and I hate cords. A lot. 
 
I hate to see them and hate even more to have to figure out which one is which when you have to locate the right one behind your computer or the TV! I’m kinda in love with all these fun ways to not only sort your cords, but label them so you know exactly which cord is which! Talk about a timesaver! 
 

Wrapping Paper/Craft Room 
Several years ago I had my grandpa build me the greatest wrapping paper organizer, but if you don’t have an awesome grandpa like me, you still have amazing wrapping paper options at The Container Store. Even if you don’t have a room to devote to your projects, you probably have a closet you can either roll this baby into or a little extra wall space that you can add your wrapping paper and ribbons, too! Talk about all the time you’ll save not pulling out the big bag out of the back of the closet every time you need to wrap a gift or the money you’ll save not running to the store every time you need to wrap a gift because you have everything you need at your fingertips! 
 
Playroom
So maybe the LEGOs aren’t in your happy space – or maybe they are and that’s why you need this LEGO sorter! My son is a HUGE fan of LEGOs and I can’t handle walking into his room and finding all his small blocks on the bottom of my feet! Whether your kids are small builders or heavily invested like mine, you have several fun ways to get your kids to organize their pieces and keep them intact and out of your feet! Many of them are even on sale right now, so it’s the perfect time to get those LEGOs in their place! 
 

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