Cars Go In Garages

Do you have a hobby that awaits you? A sewing course has been...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:10:00 -0800

Do you have a hobby that awaits you?

A sewing course has been on my agenda for sometime. I have many sewing projects that burden my hopes and dreams, and space in my home with various bins full of untouched cloth. Yet a very novice sewing student am I. My need is to be guided through projects as I build on my basic skill of sewing. And connecting with other seamstresses is a always a social plus for me.

In order to follow through with this agenda item, I am currently a student at Camp Fashionista, http://www.campfashionista.net enrolled in Sewing School.

The first course, we were taught the basic functions and shown the mechanical parts of the sewing machine. We learned the steps of sewing, from winding the bobbin to the threading of the machine. After the basics were covered, we were free to practice with different stitches as so to become familiar with the machine.

In this class, I made my very first spool cover. This was not the intention of the teacher at all. I just wanted to utilze my scrap of cloth with unkempt stitches into something useful. Useful does not quite explain my piece just yet, but it was a lot of fun to make.

Only time is in my way now. No longer am I struggling with “how will I learn to sew”? Now I just need time and to practice more.

What steps do you need to take to get your hobbies off the shelf?

…

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

"In order to be successful at organizing, it’s best to start your time with weeding out what..."

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0800

“In order to be successful at organizing, it’s best to start your time with weeding out what you can let go of, as so to make room for what you really use.”

- Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

Seasons Change = Wardrobe Shuffle The season will be changing...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:06 -0800

Small items boxes from Container Store

Sweater Boxes from The Container Store

Shoe Boxes from The Container Store

Seasons Change = Wardrobe Shuffle

The season will be changing soon. Time to put away the winter warm and get out the summer cool. This is a great time to visit the pieces you have for both seasons, taking the time to properly store your winter ware and examine the summer suits and gear before it makes it way into your closet.

Proper Storage - Store seasonal items in a container with a lid, in a drawer, or inside a protective case. This will protect your pieces from dust and light. Also, makes it easy to store in other closets up high or under your bed, down low. Removing them from the area you access from the most for what you wear regularly helps you to make decisions in the mornings easy and breezy.

Clutter Free - Keep the storage devices within your closet or under your bed. Try to not store these outside of the closet, overflowing into your bedroom. This helps keep your room from a cluttered look and feel.

When the seasons change, switch! - When removing all your winter items from their drawers, the laundry room and the closet, take a moment to decide if you plan on wearing the piece at hand when fall rolls around. If the piece was not worn all season, possibly do to not effective for the season, it’s in need of repair, or you don’t enjoy wearing it, consider giving away or throwing the item out. Before the step of storage, save yourself the hassle and let it go. Purchase the item like while winter ware is on sale this end of season.

I absolutely love these storage containers from The Container Store. They also have dividers dividers for all the different drawer sizes. Great if you want to customize to fit the items you need to store, see what you have at a glance, and have the feasibility to access your items.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/drawers/otherDrawers?productId=10004578&green=05027d01-5ac3-403d-95c4-8ef0bc4dddf1

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/drawers/otherDrawers?productId=10000153&green=05027d01-5ac3-403d-95c4-8ef0bc4dddf1

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000103&N=&Ntt=shoe+boxes

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organzing

Simple Shoe Organizer for a Master Bedroom Closet I’m...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0800

Simple Shoe Organizer for a Master Bedroom Closet

I’m going to suggest this to a client. See she has her shoes currently stored in an obsecure place in her closet. Up high and way over in the corner of her closet. The area is intended for hats or bags, but she got into the habbit of storing her shoes here. She likes that they are up high, and at eyes view. I noticed that it’s that she has to shift over in her closet to access her shoes. And all her shoes don’t quite fit in the area, because of the number of shoes she has.

I’m suggesting this Hemnes shoe organizer from IKEA to her because of it’s easy access, sleek way of hiding the shoes and cute design. She’ll be able to access and put way her shoes with ease. They will be hidden away, but not forgotten when she’s getting ready for the day. This will fit perfect in her newly organized closet. Keeps her shoes up off the floor, not too high and not too low to see for herself.The little lip at the top will allow her to set her larger boots on top, keeping all shoes together.

$99-139 (8-12 pairs of shoes)

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40216908/#/20169559

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

Re-Start Your New Year’s Resolution - it’s only...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0800

Re-Start Your New Year’s Resolution - it’s only February!

I had the initiative to clean out my inbox after the new year started. I was fed up with subscriptions that I’d spent more time deleting from my inbox, or scrolling past, rather than reading them. Upon taking inventory I realized there were over 30 unread subscriptions each week, flooding my inbox. Mind you, I had good intentions to read these when I signed up for them in the first place, but honestly, I never actually took the time to look them over.

The coupons, the sales, Gwyneth Paltrow’s lastest from Goop, exercise tips, an easy dish to cook tonight. There was much guilt to work through, removing myself from these list was my much needed step. What was I going to do without them all? But the reality was, I had never been resourcing these articles on a regular basis. It was just a Bold Title in my inbox each week. Easier to scan on by and never open. Each one of those intentions glared back on my memory, as I started to remove myself from most of the subscriptions.

Letting go is a resolution I came up with after this experiment. To quit holding on to the intentions that I put into my clothes, papers, books, junk in my garage and even more emails in my inbox. When I’m ready for information or things, I’ll go looking for it. I’m putting my foot down, and not letting the stuff control me. Same thing can be said for my magazines, but that’s possibly 2013’s resolution.

Check out this article about “Clean Out Your Inbox Week” here by Jen Weigel.

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

Closet Go To Tips When Organizing After working with a client...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:45:00 -0800

Closet Go To Tips When Organizing

After working with a client in her master bedroom’s closet this week, I emailed her a little reminder of how we made it through the fun decisions of sorting through the “keeps” and the “giveaways”. She is planning on carrying over her organized side of the closet onto her husband’s side. When sorting through your clothes and shoes, try these handy tips:

-Get started with a trash can, bag for giveaways, and your hamper near the entrance of your closet. Also great to have handy, cleaning supplies and a stool, for those hard to reach areas.

-Keep items you wear often and that you get the most enjoyment out of wearing.

-Let go of things that don’t fit, flatter you, or that you have avoided wearing for over a year because of issues you have with the items.

-Start at one end of the closet, and keep going until you reach the other end

-If it’s time to replace a piece, or make updates in your closet - take pictures of the pieces you are giving away. This helps you remind yourself of what you want to replace later on, without having to keep the item in your closet.

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

Are your shoes in need of taming? Shoes are a girl’s best...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:49:00 -0800

Are your shoes in need of taming?

Shoes are a girl’s best friend, but are your friends wearing out their welcome? Then it’s time to tame the shoes before they overtake your closet. Women have an average of 32 pairs of shoes in their closets. The best way to get in control is not by buying more shelves, or installing another closet in your home. Getting your closet organized is a great starts that allows your shoes to play fair in the mornings when you are stressed to get dressed. Instead of causing you distress, follow these steps to get you through the process.

Sorting
Start this step by setting aside some time, about hour, to sort through your shoes. Put on some favorite tunes, and pull out all your shoes into a pile of the room. Set up a bag for donations to one side and a trash can on the other. One pair of shoes at a time, decide if they are “keep”, “giveaway or “trash”.

Ask Yourself
If the decisions are difficult to make with certain pairs, ask yourself these questions. When is the last time I’ve worn these? Over a year, best to donate and focus on keeping shoes you wear more often. How many outfits can I wear these with? Only one, consider donating these to make room for pairs that you get more use by being able to wear with more outfits.

Planning
After you decide what shoes you are keeping, it’s time to put everything back. Use a layout that suits your taste and habits. Place shoes you wear less often towards the back and shoes that are worn often towards the front. You can combine dress shoes, and workout shoes, sort by color, or size.

Happy Organizing,

Jennifer Guess Organizing

Halloween Costume Ideas

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:11:05 -0700

Halloween Costume Ideas

The Beauty and the Closet, Part 2: Clothing Dividers for Closet...

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:52:00 -0700

Source: Jennifer Guess Organizing

Source: Jennifer Guess Organizing

Source: ashleyannphotography.com

Source: journeychic.com

www.containerstore.com

The Beauty and the Closet, Part 2: Clothing Dividers for Closet Control

In our master closet, you’ll find the $.99 dividers from the Container Store. It’s a deal, because of the purpose they serve and the little bit of time they save us by keeping clothes grouped in their categories.

If these dividers are too plain, or if they blend in with your white hangers, no worries. Journey Chic has a great tutorial, here, for putting a crafty element to the dividers as well as labeling for easy reference. Also check out Under the Sycamore’s DIY {closet dividers} tutorial, here.

This Closet Control trick not only saves you time when putting away clothes or getting dressed, but it’s inexpensive. We spent about $15 total, serving up clutter control for both my husband and I in our 9 foot wide closet. Did I mention our 1 closet for 2 people, that’s only 9 feet :)

Our combined 13 categories included:

Me: Dressy tops, sweaters, tanks, athletic jerseys, long sleeve, short sleeve, dresses

Hubby: Undershirts, pants, short sleeve, long sleeve, golf shirts, sweaters, athletic jerseys

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

The Beauty and the Closet. Part 1 How much time do you spend in...

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

The Beauty and the Closet. Part 1

How much time do you spend in your closet, searching for a particular outfit or article of clothing? Seems you can never find those shoes, or that jacket when you need it? Have you ever thought, “I just need a bigger closet”!

You can go from chaos to glam in your closets with less time, money and frustration spent. Before you consider a closet renovation, take some time to discover the problem, your clutter and you may find you have more room than you thought.

Prune your stuff. The 1st step will cost you $0 + your time.

Locate a reasonable work space near your closet. Set up boxes for donations, a trash can, a bag for dry cleaning and a hamper for dirty clothes. Turn on your music tunes and give yourself a couple of hours to work. Start in one corner of your closet and work through each item you have. If time is an issue, start with just clothes the first day. Then move onto shoes, hats, bags, etc each day after until you finish with every item in your entire closet.

Pruning Rules to keep in Mind.

Stains, rips, or worn out looking items, consider the clothes that represent you and your style well. Something need a repair? If it’s been over a year since the item has been tended to, consider letting go of the item. If items need repairs, after 6 months of no use, your time is better spent purchasing a replacement of that item. If it’s truly important, make a point to get repairs done in a timely manner.

You spent a lot of money on certain items, then why are you not wearing it? Might it just be another thing in your way? Keep what you wear on a regular basis easy to get to. Items that are not functional in your life serve as a barricade.

If your size has changed or is still changing, keep not but one size large and one smaller than you currently are. Holding onto the hopes of changing your body to fit into clothes is very draining of your energy each time you look at those items. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, toss it out! If the item makes you feel bad, doesn’t fit or look right on you, let it go. Keep items that compliment your body, and represent your look you want to have today.

Take a time out. While you are getting your closet organized, take a break from clothes shopping. Use this time to take evaluation of what you have in stock. Make a note of the items you find need replacing during your session. When you are done donating your bags full, give yourself a reward for a job well done with a trip to the mall for a new piece or pair of shoes to add to your freshly pruned closet.

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

I'm organized, but my work place isn't

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:56:41 -0700

I'm organized, but my work place isn't

Three concepts to keep in mind when processing sentimental objects.

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:32:23 -0700

Three concepts to keep in mind when processing sentimental objects.

Crafty Friday - A crafty use for wrapping paper, paper towel...

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:46:43 -0700

Source: elhadadepapel.blogspot.com

Source: matsutakeblog.blogspot.com

Source: matsutakeblog.blogspot.com

Crafty Friday - A crafty use for wrapping paper, paper towel & toilet paper rolls. Just add a surface for crafting, paint, brushes, pieces of scrap paper and instant fun!

Making crafts for the kiddos can be fun, especially when you use a blog for inspiration that is trilingual! http://elhadadepapel.blogspot.com/2011/01/mussols-y-un-gato.html

Go for story book recreations, http://matsutakeblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/halloween-craft-1.html

(Source: carsgoingarages.com)

Shape Up Wednesdays: Pack a Picnic PUNCH! Summer is still here,...

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:20:25 -0700

Source: madiganmade.com

Source: madiganmade.com

Source: curbly.com

Source: curbly.com

Shape Up Wednesdays: Pack a Picnic PUNCH!

Summer is still here, at least for another month. So, with coals and propane to use up before summer is done, picnics and BBQ’s are still a go for fun.

Take a look at these handy ideas to spruce up your cutlery caddy, by Madigan Made and taming your table cloth mayhem by Curbly.

Challenge yourself to reuse items you may have in the house already.

-Plastic drinking cups for holding cutlery

-Holiday baskets from the Easter or Christmas storage bins

-Scrap fabric or material, paint, etc from projects leftover

There are a few banner pictures I snapped while at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco. Here is a tutorial from, My Blessed Life on putting your together.

Happy Organizing!

Jennifer Guess Organizing

And Oldie, but a Goodie DIY Life is definetly working with...

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:32:00 -0700

Source: Amazon

Source: Amazon

Source: Amazon

Source: Amazon

Source: Poppytalk

Source: decorology

Source: Jennifer Guess Organizing

And Oldie, but a Goodie

DIY Life is definetly working with something that has been on the shelves for sale for years. Sears, Walmart, Lowes carries pegboards and all the attachments to go with. Do you have a space in dire need of a quick pick me up, but not sure where to start? Consider heading to your local hardware store, for a set of basics to get your mess out of SOS mode.

-1 pegboard

-1 set locking pegboard hook assortment

-1 pegboard bin

-2 double straight hooks

Check out this sweet tooth of way to use your pegboard in the laundry room by Poppytalk. Some of their attachments are from IKEA. Other recommendations for this function filled solution are to use in the office, utility closet/area, or for those out of control kitchen utensils.

The pegboard can always be adjusted as your needs change.

(Source: www.carsgoingarages.com)

Here’s Looking at Me Kid is right, the Loo poses a...

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:17:00 -0700

Here’s Looking at Me Kid is right, the Loo poses a challenge to make over when decorating and organizing this space on a thrift store dime budget. Take a list of these items on your next outing to a garage sale or the resale shops to give your loo that woo boost.

-decorative cups as a toothbrush holder

-shower caddy installed on the wall as extra storage

-floral sheet as a shower curtain

-art to fill as fillers for blank space

(source: Here’s Looking at Me Kid)

One of a Kind Jewelry Frame by J.Anne Does is seem to be like...

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:54:00 -0700

One of a Kind Jewelry Frame by J.Anne

Does is seem to be like hunt through the jungle when searching for certain pieces? If you jewelry is a bit out of control, and you in need of a solution to display your pieces with pride, then check out these easy instructions to creating your very own, handmade, J.Anne Jewelry Frame.

Ingredients

Your Jewelry

Picture frame with provided backing

Smart Foam

Cloth (for backdrop)

Knife

Pins

Scissors

Directions

1. Take out the glass to the frame and remove the backing.

2. Measure the foam to fit inside the frame, trace with a marker and cut with the knife.

3. Measure the material to cover the side of the foam that will house the jewelry. Trace with a maker and cut the material with scissors.

4. Pin the material with pins to the backside of the foam. Wrap as if wrapping a present.

5. Place the now covered foam inside the frame, return the backing to the frame.

6. Arrange the pins and add your jewelry.

7. Create as many frames needed to house all your pieces or just your most wanted.

Hang up, stand up or display your picture perfect jewelry frame however you desire.

(Source: carsgoingarages.com)

Shape Up Wednesdays - Entry Way & Hallway Closet The closet,...

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:00:00 -0700

Shape Up Wednesdays - Entry Way & Hallway Closet

The closet, if used by everyone in the home, becomes a frequent stopping ground for each member of the household. If located by the nearest entrance in your home, it becomes quite the catch all, and an avalanche when you are in the most hurry to get out the door.

Our family is quite active and get into our closet daily. Since we walk our dogs everyday, retrieving the pet walking gear was becoming a daunting “go fetch” routine and inspired me to post this to help others.

You can find ease, like we do now, when accessing daily items from your closet. Set aside about 30 minutes of your day and budget $40, you’ll love your newly organized closet in no time.

Ingredients

(1) shoe organizer for a door

(1) hanging sweater organizer

(2) small baskets

Directions

1. Take everything out of the closet while separating everything into like categories (ie, scarfs and gloves together, jackets in one pile, etc).

2. Survey the items once you’ve finished sorting. Are there things that do not belong in the hallway closet? Set these aside and any items that can be donated or thrown away.

3. Install the shoe organizer onto the inside of your closet’s door.

4. Hang the sweater organizer inside the closet.

5. Return large items back to the closet (vacuum, umbrellas, jackets). Be sure to put the items most accessed closet to the front.

6. Put small items like dog leashes, flashlights, dog toys, sunglasses and even tennis shoes into the shoe organizer, after it’s attached to the door.

7. Set scarfs, gloves, hats into their own shelf in the sweater organizer.

8. Items that you get to once a year, or infrequently, set in a basket, on the top shelves. Put these items out of your daily grasps.

Remember: Leave room for the items you get to on a regular basis in the front of the closet or on the lowest shelves. Really keep the closet to house specific items that pertain to your exiting and entering the house. For us it is, pet’s leashes and other walking things, suntan lotion, coats, cool & rainy weather accessories. Be creative and try it out. You can always come back to the closet to adjust it as your realize your true needs of the closet.

Every girl dreams of her prince rescuing her from the bellows of...

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:00:05 -0700

The list in picture version.

Finished Cat Catnip Castle

Every girl dreams of her prince rescuing her from the bellows of a doom and gloom castle tower. But what about every cat’s dream to have their own castle, to go frolicking in and pounce on?

I for one, am in favor of a place for my cat to jump, climb, burn calories and entertain herself when I’m not around. Just as long as my couches and the dogs are safe from the grasp of her claws. This article caught my eye because I have high ceilings and I’m out of paintings to put up. Make use of your blank walls and be the source to your fit and happy cat’s health and well being. Build your own Cat Catnip Castle with these easy online instructions by Julia Szabo.

No time to build, order your own, Tiger Branches.

$1 Store Purchases...To be or not to be?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:00:00 -0700

$1 Store Purchases...To be or not to be?:

Remembering that just because something is a buck (plus tax), doesn’t mean you should go all out and deplete the cash in your wallet when shopping. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind before shopping for party supplies at budget friendly stores.

*Frugal Eye for the Planner - Head out to the store, before the event and focus on purchasing the basics. A list is very handy to make before going, and it helps you stay focused. You’ll not feel pressured to purchase extra things you “think” about as you are browsing. Since you have time to come back later, take notes as you are shopping during this trip, of the things you’d like to come back for and note why. Or even take pictures of the items with your camera phone to help you remember later.

*Moderation is King - After the party is said and done, you’ll have to either store or dispose of party supplies. Where will you be storing everything? Do you have space with your other decorations in storage already? Will you have to purchase more storage bins to store the new decorations? If these decorations are a one time use because of quality or theme, try to purchase recyclable ones that can be thrown out with your city trash pickup. Really think about what you need to make the party function, versus getting tangled into what you think you want because it’s saving you money.

*Don’t Be a Storage Facility - Will you pass these along to someone else or some organization after wards? If so, will you be storing the items until their next event. Remember to keep your home your home. Storing items for others for an extended period of time can cause you more issues than the value of what you’ve saved at the store. Put a date on the decorations with a deadline in which you have to deliver or have the items picked up by. Stay firm to your deadline, and don’t let the decorations stay past their welcome.

(Source: carsgoingarages.com)