Odd Job of the Day: Chaos Theory in The Fiscal Times

Odd Job of the Day: Chaos Theory in The Fiscal Times

I was interviewed by Maureen Mackey of The Fiscal Times — I sure do have an Odd Job — i’m just so glad she could hear the passion I have for it!

 

New on PowerWomenTV: The Pantry!

New on PowerWomenTV: The Pantry!

Jenn Falik has my dream pantry.  On this episode of PowerWomenTV’s Suburban Survival Guide I teach her how to make it her dream pantry.

Chaos Theory’s PowerWomenTV Debut

Chaos Theory’s PowerWomenTV Debut

Watch me on PowerWomenTV’s Suburban Survival Guide as I give Jenn Falik my best tips for living a clutter-free life at home!  Today’s episode:  The Command Center

Streamline the Diaper Bag

Two things about me: I like to get out the door without too much fuss and I like to travel light. When T was first born, neither of those things felt very doable. But, what started as a Mary Poppins’s-sized infant diaper bag has streamlined down to a small toddler backpack.

Learn how at Brunch With My Baby!

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So Proud!

I am thrilled to be included as a contributor in Twentysomething Girl – 1,001 Quick Tips and Tricks to Make Your Life Easier by Melissa Fiorenza and Laura Serino.

Want to see more? Click here to buy it on Amazon — and check me out on page 193.

Currently Obsessed with WallCandy Arts

Man, kids have a lot of stuff!

I have never liked having a lot of “stuff.”  Don’t misunderstand me –  I like plenty of things – things that are useful and/or bring me joy, and things that have a designated place to live.  But things that fall outside of those parameters have always been ripe for the donation bin.

When I started my baby registry, I knew that things were going to have to change.

Over the past 17 months, I’ve had to expand my definitions of usefulness (let’s face it, there are lots of very useful kid products these days), joy (it may not bring me joy, but it brings the biggest smile to my daughter’s face…so, fine, it’s bringing me joy), and designated place to live (these places used to have stricter boundaries…now it’s more of a general corner or  an overflowing basket at the end of the couch).

But when it comes to her clothing, I refuse to compromise my definitions.  Sure, we only have a designated space of 6 dresser drawers, she has grown into and out of at least 5 sizes of clothing to this point, and there’s a stock of gifts where people “sized up” just waiting for wear.  But, I’m happy to report that I have taken control of the clothing, and with a little vigilance, I can keep it that way.

Here’s how:

Step 1:  Empty the contents of the dresser and as you’re doing so, sort it into clothing categories that make sense for you.  Weed out all the items of clothing that no longer fit. With kids, this is obviously an ongoing process – keep an open bin somewhere nearby to quickly toss things that don’t fit as you realize it.  When I try to get a shirt on Tess and it won’t go over her head, it goes directly into that bin.

Step 2:  Go through all those clothes you’ve been storing for “when it will fit.” Pull out the ones that fit now, and add it to those category piles you just set up.

Step 3:  Group the categories into drawers that make sense to you. Here’s what ours look like:

 

Step 4:  Make sure you know what’s there:

Step 5:  Pack up what doesn’t fit for donation or storage.

Get Organized for a Festive Meal

t’s November.  You’re juggling end-of-year budget meetings, vacation plans and holiday gift lists. With all the other responsibilities you have to contend with this time of year, the thought of preparing the Thanksgiving meal can be overwhelming. It’s helpful to treat this holiday like any other project and to combat the stress by getting all those to-dos down on paper and asking for help when you need it.

Chances are, if you’re cooking this type of meal, you know about it well in advance, which is fortunate, because the key is planning ahead and sharing the work.  Get my list, which will help you get organized for the most wonderful time of the year at Affluent Magazine.

Relocating? Make Your Move Stress Free!

Even though the season falls smack dab in the middle of the calendar year, autumn is a time for new beginnings.  The cooler air seems to be ushered in by a parade of school buses and moving trucks.  Maybe you’re just starting out in your very first apartment; maybe you’ve outgrown your old space and are on to bigger and better.  Whatever the case may be, I’m sure you could use a little help with the moving process.  Once you’ve found the place, here’s what you do:

Check out my moving tips at Affluent Magazine!

Getting Organized to Get Away

Summertime has me thinking about weekends away.  But before you get to your destination of choice, it’s easy to stress about the getting there.  It’s not just the packing, it’s the feeling that you’ve forgotten to take care of something around the house.  Let’s put your mind at ease:

Check out my Countdown to Vacation at Affluent Magazine!