3 Mini Organizing Makeovers: Fridge, Pantry, Vanity

Thinking about organizing a whole house can be overwhelming, even for someone like myself who really loves to organize. I have clients that I work with on a consistent basis to help them "chip away at it" as we oftentimes put it. A lot of times it comes down to pacing, having a plan, and sticking to it. But sometimes you just want something to be done, and quickly!

Feeling inspired to continue improving my own home organizing projects, but a little burned out from my last hall closet project (see previous post: Here) I needed a little break. 

If you can call this a break at all.... this past month I picked a few spots that needed just a mini makeover. So, some before and afters of three new Smiling Spaces for your enjoyment...

Fridge Dry Erase Board

Dry Erase Board Before

Problem: (Before Right)
The dry erase board was tired looking, and probably more appropriate for a college dorm room mini fridge and roommate notes than my un-inspired list of family meal ideas. It was always slipping down as the magnets never seemed to grip the fridge door properly.









Solution: (After Below)
I bought a new dry erase board that fits my style and "season" of life right now! I like the cleaner look of the stainless steel, and it came with a dry erase marker with it's own magnet. It also has a super strong gripping magnet that keeps it in place on the fridge. Much more inspiring!

Dry Erase Board After

Pantry Snack Shelf

Snack Shelf Before

Problem: (Before Left)
We had a designated Snack Shelf, but didn't want to invest in installing pullout shelves at this time. Although I had re-purposed an old ice bucket to keep random granola bars and trail mixes, it was always slightly too small.

Solution: (After Below)

I found a slightly wider container with a handle that fits more snacks and is easier to pull in and out. I stacked other round nut canisters on top of one another so it saves space and we can see our selections.

Snack Shelf After

Vanity Organizer

Vanity Organizer Before

Problem: (Before Right)

I used to love this vintage lipstick holder with mirror tray I found years ago. I still really like it, but sometimes things I want to store on it tip over or don't fit. I've also been in the mood for upgrading things around the house to have a more modern design.










Solution: (After Below)
I got a clear makeup organizer that has a variety of square compartments for different sizes of tubes, bottles, and lipsticks and chapsticks. I love it for q-tips, my tweezers, scissors, and clippers. It even fits a tall spray bottle and my ring holder I got when I was probably 15 years old. Still keeping that for a bit. :) Result here: a cleaner, more "me" look complete.

Vanity Organizer After

With 3 Mini Organizing Makeovers done, I feel like I have more energy to tackle a bigger project again. Small changes can make a big difference. Sometimes it's as simple as finding out what those small areas are that need some tweaking, and then making a point to fix 'em.

Let me know which Smiling Space you like best by leaving a comment below.

(All products are from The Container Store. I was not paid to use them or share this information.)

3 Things You Need for a Closet Makeover Project

I'm always making over other people's spaces. I provide home organizing services in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs, including Blaine, Minnesota where I live. As a busy full time mom, and Professional Organizer and owner of Smiling Spaces, LLC, I rarely take the time to tackle a project I want to do in my own home. My hall coat closet, for instance, has been in need of some attention for a while now. I finally got to it!!

While I could always find things in this closet, and had systems in place for containing items and keeping things organized, it was time for an "upgrade." I made it a goal to improve where I thought I could, and fix a couple of key problems. Here's how I tackled this closet I'd been making do with since we moved in 5 years ago. Read on for 3 things you need for a closet makeover project.

Coat Closet Before & Afters

Closet (Before)

Closet (After)

Have a space in your house that you've been wanting to redo? Below are 3 things you need for a closet makeover project, or really any project you want to tackle. After you're done reading, I'd love for you to leave a comment below. Carry on.

1) Motivation

My Motivation: The time of year, and a changing family-

• January is Get Organized Month- meaning, I just feel more like doing this kind of project at this time of year. The colder weather also reminds me daily how I need my closet to function properly. Also, a favorite organizing store of mine, The Container Store has a fabulous once-a-year 30% off sale on their Elfa Shelving. I knew I wanted to take advantage of that.
  
• Our family is growing and so are our possessions- Since we moved here, we've added a dog and had a baby, adding to what's currently being stored in the closet. Our chocolate lab Savannah has leashes, treats, a couple sweaters, and toys. My son turned one at the end of last year, and now has his own set of coats, little shoes, and a diaper bag.
  
  

2) Timeline

My Timeline: Three weekend days in the month of January-

• One Saturday to plan and purchase/order shelves (babysitter in place)
• One Saturday to pick up shelves (drive down to Container Store)
• One Sunday to put up shelves (4-5 hours to do it ourselves during nap times)
  
  

3) Goals

My Goals: What was on my list-

Goal #1: Make coats more accessible. The previous owners had shelves in place, but they were awkwardly positioned and not easy to readjust to fit our needs. I also didn't like how the shelves lacked rods for coats that you could move hangers back and forth on with ease. We wanted coats to be easier to grab in and out.

Coats in Corner of Closet (Before)

Goal #2: Be better able to see the family's scarves, hats, and mittens. There is no light in this closet which makes seeing anything a challenge. Although we had each family member's outer wear accessories separated and contained already, we wanted to be able to see them better without having to hire an electrician.

Cluttered Closet (Before)

Goal # 3: Have shoes and boots be better organized and upgrade storage solutions in look and style. I'd been reusing shoe shelves from my college days thriftily, and trying to work with the existing closet system. But I wasn't fond of the white shoe shelves making dirt show and we always seemed to be slightly short on space even after removing out-of-season shoes.

How it turned out:

Closet (After)

(Left) Moving the coats to the front and adding coat rods make it easier to see and grab coats. Shoes are now on pull-out shelves that provide enough space and no longer collect dirt.

We moved all of the dog supplies to the laundry room where the food and water bowls are located. The broom and small vacuum, backup kitchen appliances and paper goods got moved there too. This freed up the side wall and upper shelf space.

We also tackled our laundry room space at the same time, so the items we purged from the closet had a place to go. (Normally, I don't recommend doing more than one space at a time)

Closet (After)

(Below) Pull-out baskets for each family member keeps outerwear and accessories contained. Moving the unit close to the front of the closet makes it easier to see things even though there still isn't a light in the closet.

Pull Out Storage Bins for each family member 

Pull Out Storage Bins for hats, scarves, and mittens

(Below) I even found a solution to a problem I didn't expect to get to.  I wanted an easy to reach spot for the diaper bag, recipe books, and reusable shopping bags. Installing four shelves above the basket system did the trick.

A spot for the Diaper Bag, Recipe Books, and Reusable Shopping Bags

This will make meal planning easier!

I'd love to hear what you think about this project, the tips you find helpful, or ask a question. 

Leave a comment below. Thanks!

Essential Documents to include in your FireSafe

Every household should have a firesafe (period). It's not just for people with money or oodles of jewels like the Queen of England might have guarded by fancy men in furry hats and crisp red uniforms. If you have a birth certificate and/or a social security number, which I'm guessing you do, then yup, you qualify as an owner of such a tool.

FireSafe Owners Manual 101:
I recommend the size that fits hanging file folders inside so you can not only keep essential documents organized, but categorize them accordingly. I personally like the style SentrySafe makes. I got mine from Target with some wedding gift money after my husband and I got married. While that was over eight years ago now, and we've never had to put it to test in a fire, it sure has made storing essential documents simple. We put things like birth certificates, social security cards, our marriage license, passports and important numbers and contacts in case a wallet or purse get stolen inside. I've gradually added things as the years have gone by. Here are a few other tips to consider.

• Keep the firesafe where it's convenient enough for you to get to, but not in a commonly used area. A corner of your home office, a spare closet in a guest room, or cleared out area of your basement are all options.
  
• Keep it locked and store the key somewhere safe. It won't work in a fire unless it is locked. 

• Don't over stuff it. Buy a safe that is big enough for what you want to contain in it. Gather your essential documents first to assess the size you will need. 

For a great checklist on what to include in your firesafe:

Go to: http://addiewoods.com/articles
Download: The FireProof FileBox Checklist (under the "Wealth Manager" section)

Now start gathering up your papers. No time to waste. Check 'em off one at a time.

Flexible Storage Bins for Baby Toys, Nursery & More!

Being a new mom, and wanting everything to have it's place, I'm so excited about these handmade fabric storage bins by NikJDesigns! They're perfect for keeping things organized in my son's nursery.

Small Fabric Storage Bin in Zig Zag

I too had a baby registry at Target and BabiesRus for all the baby items I'd need, or thought I'd need, before my baby arrived. But being the neat freak I am, and believer in supporting smaller businesses too, I was so excited when my sisters wanted to gift me a few of these at my baby shower. I remember being asked what colors I was planning on having. Since I chose a Peanuts Themed Nursery with Snoopy and Charlie Brown elements, I told them bold, primary colors. 

My Charlie Brown Themed Nursery I wanted to match my bins to:

A window valence I made.  Wanna see how? View "How to Make Your Own Box Valence"

Who has time for painting murals!
A Snoopy wall decal I ordered on Etsy.com

Take a look below at what this gal from NikJDesigns on Etsy.com custom made for me!

How I'm using them:

I don't know about you, but I don't like folding sheets. I found that rolling sheets up is quick and easy. So I'm rolling up and stuffing extra crib sheets and blankets into the red striped one (pictured below).

Tip: Roll & stuff extra crib sheets/blankets in a bin instead of placing them in a closet or drawer.

(Left) Medium Size: Stuffed Animals & Small Toys
(Right) Large Size: Blankets & Sheets

I'm realizing how kids create clutter. Well, or how we adults create clutter when we have kids. Not sure exactly which comes first, but either way, things can get out of hand pretty quickly. These bins are great because they reduce clutter spilling out everywhere and keep those "like things" together. I love how they fit items that oftentimes have awkward shapes like stuffed animals and small toys. See it in the black striped one (pictured above).

Where I'm using them:

They are made of fabric, which is flexible. That means they fit in many places you may have a hard time finding a storage container to fit. I've found they fit great in a tight spot, for example between the crib and a wall (pictured below).

Tip: Place sheets and blankets close to the crib for easy access.

They can come in various sizes. I love the smaller ones for containing things like extra bibs, burp cloths, hand sanitizer and a rattle (pictured below). The key is to see where you gather clutter, and then contain it. These bins do the trick nicely.

Tip: Put a smaller fabric bin next to a favorite chair where you read books or nurse.

To view all her fabulous fabrics and available size options: NikJDesigns

Pillow also by NikJDesigns in Charlie Brown Themed Fabric.
Snoopy Woodstock Wall Decal also from Etsy.com

Organize with a Baby K'tan

I recently had a baby. Well, nine weeks ago to be exact. The cold Minnesota weather has kept us inside a lot, leaving us plenty of time around the house. Even though we haven't been driving around a whole lot, I have learned that babies are super portable. I've discovered that it is possible to organize with a baby in tow, especially using the Baby K'tan.

A good friend of mine showed me how to wear a cloth baby sling to carry my baby around. While most people would probably think to wear it to the grocery store or the zoo, I've been wearing it around the house while doing house work.

Baby K'tan

Organizing tasks I can do with a baby in tow:

• Fold Laundry
• Sort Mail
• Do Dishes
• Pay Bills
• Check Emails
• Make a Grocery List
• Cut/Download Coupons
• Make Phone Calls
• Schedule Appointments
• Collect Garbage
• Wipe Surfaces

I have yet to try running the vacuum while wearing it, but my son loves white noise so I'm guessing I might just be able to do it. With the added weight, it will definitely be multitasking a great workout in too!

I love how supportive the Baby K'tan is. My son also finds it comfy enough to sleep in. The only problem is, that means I'm not sleeping when he is. Being a new mom isn't easy and nothing is perfect, but at least I can still get things done. With a few adjustments to my home maintenance routine it makes staying organized easier.

Get Stuff Done Club Organizing Interview & Book

I was recently interviewed on organizing in the Get Stuff Done! Club™ hosted by Certified Professional Coach and time management author Liz Uram from The Coach and Mentor Group. Members of the club use Liz's book the: How to Organize and Manage Your Time Workbook

Listen to the recording of our interview: 

The How to Organize and Manage Your Time Workbook

If you are someone who struggles with managing your time, I highly recommend taking a closer look at using this workbook and consider joining the club. The How to Organize and Manage Your Time Workbook helps people take back control of how they spend their time. You get to envision how you want your day and week to be and then use the practical tools and worksheets to help you reach your goals. The book comes with an assortment of colored highlighters that you'll use to help categorize the different areas of your life, a fun bonus that also has a practical purpose.

Each month members of the Get Stuff Done! Club™ are on the phone with Liz and one of her special guest experts who share their best ideas for time management, staying organized and goal setting in all areas of life. The club is for people who know that the key to success is creating a vision of what you want, setting goals to get there, staying focused, and taking action. Learn more about the Club: Here

I spoke with Liz on March 20th, which happens to be the first day of spring. Whether or not the weather is warm yet where you are, which it's not here in Minnesota, this time of year has many people thinking about spring cleaning projects. Together, we explained ways to put thoughts into action while giving our listeners practical steps on how to make a plan so they can ultimately, get stuff done! 

Listen to the recording of our interview: 

Purchase How to Organize and Manage Your Time Workbook

A Beautiful Engagement Gift: Wedding Workbook Download

Know someone who was recently engaged and starting to plan a wedding?

 

While many engaged couples are excited to get married, planning a wedding can be a really overwhelming task. I created the Organize Your Dream Wedding Workbook to help with the wedding planning process. It makes a beautiful engagement gift any do-it-yourself couple will love.

 

Just download and forward to the engaged couple or print the pages yourself. Three hole punch the pages and put in a binder for further organization.

 

 

Favorite Features:

 

• Practical tips, checklists, and resources for staying on track throughout the planning process

• Creative suggestions for how to personalize your wedding, choose your wedding colors, theme, and manage your guest list

• Budgeting guidance to save you time, money, and stress, and how to copy favorite ideas for less

• Organizing inspired date night ideas to keep the groom involved



Download the Workbook Here

 

 

Secondhand Dress-up Costume Bins

Now's a great time to start planning what you are going to do for all those kids on your Christmas list. It's also a great time to shop for costumes both before and after Halloween.

Last year I decided to do something different for Christmas gifts. I gave my nephew and two nieces dress up bins full of costume pieces. The idea came to me when a neighbor offered me a half dozen, plastic, hanging file totes that she had gotten from work that were no longer wanted. I knew with just a touch of soap and water I could put these bins to work and contain something in them, so I accepted. As I washed them out one at a time in my bath tub, my wheels started to turn as the water rushed down the drain. With Christmas still a couple of months away at the time, the idea to make dress up bins came to mind. I knew I had plenty of time to look around for just the right items to include.

I wanted to keep the project around $20/bin and keep the contents fairly even between the kids. I decided to head to my local dollar and thrift stores to shop. I found great deals and had a lot of fun picking out imaginative play clothing and accessories.

Some things I included:

• Cowgirl and Cowboy hats, bandannas
• Plastic Sword and Shield
• Pom poms and cheer girl outfit
• Princess skirts, high heels, tiaras, necklaces, and wands
• Doctor's tools and a white dress shirt
• An assortment of masks
• Fireman's hats, 2 yellow, 1 red
• 2 Purses and Mailman's hat

  
Other tips: Make sure to wash and dry all items you purchase before you give them as a gift. Use a black sharpie to label the items for each child on the tag or inside to keep them straight. When kids open their bins they'll tend to not know who's things belong to who as they begin to share and try things on.

 


What you'll need to make a Dress Up Costume Bin:

•  Costumes & Accessories like I mentioned above.  No need to spend a lot.

Fire Hat and Ax

• 1 Plastic Hanging File Tote with Lid

 

Other tips: If and when your child outgrows dress up, this file tote bin can transform into a place to keep favorite school projects, mementos and artwork. Just add more hanging file folders.




 

• 1 Hanging File Folder with Plastic Tab labeled with child's name (Great for keeping smaller accessories like Pirate eye patches, Gold Coins, Rings, Pearl Necklaces, Bracelets and Tattoo stickers)

Other tips: Show your child where the smaller items can be put back in the hanging file folder so they are easier to find and not misplace. Teach them how to fit the lid on top of the bin and that all costume pieces go inside the tote when playtime is over.

• 2 Super Sticky Post-It Labels for Sides of Tote (The super sticky post-it labels are great because unlike traditional post-its that are only sticky on one end, this one is sticky the entire length of the paper)

Other tips:
Choose a bright color label that will contrast the outside of your tote and will stand out. If you have more than one child you are making a bin for, use a different color for each. I like a good ol' black sharpie to write.

 

The Cheerleader outfit

Have fun with it. Try on a few things yourself at the next tea party you're invited to!










Stores to shop inexpensively or second hand: 

Costumes: Your own House, Dollar Tree,  Savers, Goodwill, Salvation Army,
Arcs Value Village, Thrift Store and Donation Center

File Tote, Hanging File Folders and Labels: Your own House or office, Office Max, Target

MakeUp Bag Organizing

Next to the contents of her purse, a woman's makeup bag holds the most essential items she'll tell you she can't live without. While we might fear identity theft if our purse were stolen, we might also fear another sort of "identity theft" if we were to miss-place our makeup bag. Imagine having to leave the house to re-buy everything your makeup bag contains. On your way to the store, you might end up looking like someone trying to avoid the paparazzi, while choosing to conceal your al' natural face with large movie star glasses and a floppy beach hat. I have to admit, I do occasionally not wear make up, mainly when I go to the gym or on weekends when I stick around the house in the burbs. But, having just let my dramatic tendencies paint a picture to emphasize this possible scenario and how I imagine I might react, I digress.

Okay, onto the point of this specific blog. My makeup bag is important to me. While some women are blessed with practically perfect skin that asks for no makeup at all, most are not so lucky. I fall into the category of someone that really needs makeup to feel like herself. I relish in accepting that makeup makes me feel more confident, and like a good cup of joe to some, gives me a little added boost to my day.

All that being said, if you rely on your makeup like I do, your makeup bag and it's contents deserve to be taken care of. Here are some tips for keeping your makeup bag organized and maintained:

Keep makeup tools and containers clean and sanitized. Think about it, we are putting things on our face. Our eyes and mouth can pass germs into our bodies. Keep theses things clean. It makes sense, right?

• Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or Q-Tip to clean eyelash curlers, tweezers, and sharpeners.
• Keep makeup removal wipes handy to wipe off the inside and outside covers of your containers.
• Wash your makeup brushes regularly. I like to use MAC's brush cleanser, or gentle baby shampoo.

 MAC Brush Cleanser

Group similar makeup items together. While some women love taking their time putting on their makeup and playing around with colors, sometimes all you want to do is snap your fingers like Mary Poppins and have your face paint on. If you want to quicken up your makeup routine, contain "like" items together in your makeup bag.

• Use mini rubber band hair ties to keep coordinating lip liners and lipsticks together.
• Keep makeup samples you collect or pull out of magazines together with bag or binder clips.
• I love the silicone cosmetic pouches made by The Candy Store for my smaller makeup essentials. The pouch wipes out easily and stretches to fit and contain a variety of sized items such as: tweezers, a pencil sharpener, lip glosses, mascaras and eyeliners. Keep one inside your larger makeup bag to prevent everything from rolling around and help make things easier to find.

Silicone Cosmetic Pouch- Rainbow Sherbet Look for an assortment of fun colors at Ulta.   

Up-date your makeup seasonally & toss expired product. Just like our wardrobes, our makeup colors and technique should be updated occasionally and change with the seasons. It's not a bad idea to take a closer look at what you've got going on in your makeup bag every few months. Take out all the contents, wipe things down and look to see what is old, not used anymore, needs updating or should be replaced. Make a list of what to buy, and say goodbye to crusty, old stuff that doesn't make you feel fresh and new.

• Use a black sharpie to mark the date on the bottom of your makeup when you opened it.

 Cosmetic Expiration Date Guidelines

Blush or Bronze Powder: 18 months

Blush (Cream): 1 year

Eye and Lip Pencils: 3-5 years

Eye Cream: 1 year, 3 years unopened

Eye Shadow (Cream): 6 months

Facial Moisturizer: 1 year

Foundation and Concealer: 6 months-1 year, 2 years oil based and 3 years water-based unopened

Lip Balm: 1-3 years, up to 5 years unopened

Lipstick and Gloss: 18 months, 2-3 years unopened

Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner: 3-4 months, 2-3 years unopened

Perfume: 2 years

(Thanks to Real Simple for helping gather this list)

Simplify Your Life Week: Make a List

Day #7- TUESDAY

Make a list.
The key to making lists is simply to do it, have them handy, and revise often. It's also important to get rid of the old ones after revising so you can re-prioritize and have the most updated information. I love using a dry erase board to keep an ongoing project list I can update frequently. I'll keep lists that I add to a lot, like my grocery list, on the side of my fridge. Tack boards, magnets, and 3M Post-it notes are all really helpful for keeping lists handy.

Make lists for:

• Groceries
• Home Projects
• Things to Shop or Save for
• Gift Ideas

How's your simplifying going? Leave a comment or question below.

Hang the Easy Fold Step Stool on a 3M Command Hook

It was time to upgrade the step stool I've had since I was three. (pictured below) The Easy Fold Step Stool (picture to side) makes it easy to reach the top shelves in my closets. From an organizing standpoint, this is great because if you can reach your top shelves you are more likely to use what's up there and be able to keep it maintained and organized. For those of us that are a bit vertically challenged, a good step stool is a must, and this one passes the test. It folds down and can be stored out of the way without taking up much space. It's also light weight but durable, so it's easy enough to move from room to room while is also super sturdy.

Product Details: Easy Fold Step Stool, $12.99

Found mine at: (picture above from): The Container Store

3825 Gallagher Drive, Edina, MN 55435

Organizing Tip: Hang your Easy Fold Step Stool on a 3M Command Hook in your closet, laundry room or garage. 

Watch Our Quick Tip Video: Hooks in the Closet to see how these two products together create a "Smiling Space." 




I love the Easy Fold Step Stool so much I bought two!

Side Story: I liked this step stool so much that I bought two! They both came in handy when my two, three year old, nieces came to visit Memorial Day weekend. They used them for sitting on during dinner. Because I have no kids of my own, I had to improvise and use our small square Ikea side table as "the little kid" table. The Easy Fold Step Stools were the perfect height to fit underneath the table. My nieces were even able to help fold the step stools and carry them outside on the deck when we decided to eat outside. Seeing them carry the stools around all proud to have their own spot to sit was adorable! So whether you're three, 30 or 63, I recommend keeping one or even two of these handy.

My step stool from when I was three:

Organizing Quick Tip - TV Screen Clean

We've all got these LCD/LED/plasma televisions now and we're only supposed to wipe them down to keep them clean. But what do you do with those little silk cloths? Smiling Spaces, a professional organizer, has you covered with the "Screen Clean Solution" organizing tip.

http://youtu.be/8nM36bThItY

Organizing Quick Tip Video: Picture Hanging Strips

Smiling Spaces' professional organizer Andrea Brandt presents an organizing tip on hanging pictures with ease using the 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips. Damage free hanging, no hammer, no nails, no holes if you make a mistake. Best of all, completely removable.



Click above to view. (Video length: 1 minute 14 seconds)  
I was not paid to comment on this product.

3M Command Picture Hanging Strips

 

Candy Store inspired: Silicone Wallet great for organizing make up

Time to spring clean your purse and make up bag!

I love these new silicone bags made by the Candy Store! I got mine at Ulta here in Minnesota for $17.99. They wipe out nicely, are flexible and close easily, not to mention are super cute! They're the perfect size for eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss/stick, brushes, and all that small stuff that tends to get lost at the bottom of your purse or make up bag.

They even come in a great selection of fun, candy-inspired colors: licorice, peppermint, apple, orange, bubble gum, grape, cherry, lemon.

Peppermint Silicone Wallet (the one I bought) -Just saw it was featured in Real Simple Magazine this month too, nice!


Did you know: Smiling Spaces offers "Pretty Purse Parties" for groups of women who want to learn ways to get organized in a fun and relaxing, in-home workshop. Learn more by visiting www.smilingspaces.biz

3M Command Products Writing Entry

They asked for 500 words. I wrote 499. The writing entry I submitted on "Why I like using 3M Command Products": 
 

Command Picture Hanging Strips are a perfect solution for an indecisive, perfectionist, picture hanging person like myself.

When my husband and I got our first new home, I loved using Picture Hanging Strips for hanging some favorite calendar pages I had torn out and decoupaged onto thin, blank canvas picture boards. The boards didn’t come with anyway to adhere them to the wall so I tried the strips. At the time, I couldn’t decide on the paint color for our bathroom yet, but I wanted to immediately make the space feel more personal. This combination was a perfect solution. I was able to quickly hang these creations in a row across the wall without having to commit to anything permanently. For someone that likes to change decorating ideas frequently, this was important to me. Because the boards were a light color, I chose the white, medium size strips and they blended right in, out of sight.

Command Picture Hanging Strips are also easy to remove and don’t leave a hole in the wall like a nail will, which can be a pesky little reminder that perhaps I’m a bit indecisive when it comes to decorating and will often want to move things around. When I change my mind about where I want to hang something I can simply remove the strip in one clean, downward swoop and try a new spot. This keeps my walls happy, gives me a way to keep things fresh and updated, and allows me to continue rearranging my pictures just the way I want to. It’s also much quieter than hammering. So when I’m feeling sneaky, I can do it before my hubby finds out what I’m up to and it’s done before he knows it. If we decide later we don’t care for it, there’s no messy spackling to do. Happy walls, happy hubby, happy home.

 

In the past, I’ve been a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to hanging pictures straight on the wall and have been embarrassed when someone else points a crooked one out or adjusts something. Since using the Picture Hanging Strips, I haven’t had that problem. I love to share my secret with guests when they ask about the pictures in my bathroom and how I was able to align the whole wall so evenly and keep them in place. I’ve actually explained to guests how I can hear a “click” when I push the two strips together so I know it’s secure and can easily readjust it to make sure everything hangs straight. It’s a little funny demonstrating this in my bathroom, but not as silly as in the past when I’d have to press my cheeks against the wall to see if I’d got things aligned just right. My husband walking by would ask, “what on earth are you doing now? ” More importantly, there’s no more embarrassment with guests readjusting the tilt of my pictures when they visit. Happy walls, happy host, happy home.

(Submitted on FB as a part of a contest to be in a 3M Command Clear Product commercial in LA)
-I'm required to say I was not paid to comment or participate.

After submitting this, I was called for an interview and then chosen to be sent a box of their new Clear products. I was asked to try and test these products out and send a video of me doing so with my ideas on how I might use the new products. I was also selected to have an additional Skype interview with the casting directors in LA. Although I was not ultimately chosen for the commercial, I may be contacted in the future as they further develop new products.

3M Command contest/commercial challenge

A few weeks ago I entered a writing contest on facebook with 3M Command Brand. I was asked to write in 500 words or less why I liked using their products. The winner of the contest would have a chance to get a box of free products to tryout, including a new offering they have, and have a chance to be in a commercial shooting in LA. I used all 499 words to describe my love of their products, touching specifically on their picture hanging strips. They called me, and I've recently been sent a box of free items that I've been asked to videotape myself using in new inventive ways. How fun!

Before I go any further...Let me just say I'm not getting paid to comment on anything. My hope is only to be honest and have a little fun coming up with new ways to fix one little organizing challenge at a time.


If you're not familiar with 3M Command Brand products, let me tell you how helpful they are for organizing and making things handy. One of the most used solutions they offer are the plastic, damage-free hanging hooks. Like the packaging says, it really does "hold strongly and removes cleanly."

Stay tuned for my new findings and to see if I'm selected for the commercial. :)


Thanks 3M Command for the opportunity and exciting challenge!

Scotch Pre-cut tape- to make wrapping quicker

Wrap your wrist with one of these! Save time gift wrapping this holiday season with this handy pre-cut tape dispenser.

"Scotch® Pop-Up Tape Handband dispenser is the ultimate in tape delivery, style, and convenience. With one-handed dispensing, this attractive and sleek styled dispenser slips comfortably onto your hand. Precut lengths of tape .75 in x 2 in, in a refillable Pop-up Tape dispenser. 75 tape strips/pad. The tape disappears on most gift wrap papers."
(from: Scotch website)

•Pre-cut tape strips •One-handed dispensing convenience •Great for wrapping gifts

Command your Cords!

A great solution for keeping your extension cords handy and untangled are Command brand cord bundlers. Like other 3M products, the adhesive won't damage surfaces, holds strongly and removes cleanly. I'm currently using one on my garage wall to hold a large extension cord. It makes plugging in the shop vac to vacuum out the cars one step simpler. It keeps the cord off the ground and we always know where it is when we need it.

Pop-up Note Dispenser

I recently visited 3M's innovation center in Saint Paul, MN. We got a behind the scenes tour and a chance to sample and take a look at a lot of their products. One of the most "notable," pun intended, are Post-it notes!

Check out this super cute dispenser in the shape of a purse! It's not only handy to have your Post-its where you need it, but so gosh darn adorable you can keep it out without feeling too "office-y," a word I just made up."



Love it:

• The dispenser is made out of a heavy duty plastic and base that is weighted.
• Comes in black to fit any decor.
• Has potential to be decorated with a ribbon or "bedazzeled" with sparkly jewels for a little spunk.
• Dispenses alternating hot pink and green Post-its, but is refillable if you want to change it up.

Comments:
No where on the box did it say that there was alternating green Post-its. That was a surprise. Could they have put a little pen holder on the side of it?

Pen Pal Holder

Did you ever have a pen pal when you were growing up? Well, this new Pen Pal holder gives a whole new meaning to it. Keep your pen handy where ever you need it. Just peal and stick the holder to any hard surface and have your pen in easy reach.

Try it on your car dashboard, on the side of your computer monitor or phone, toolbox, refrigerator, or anywhere else you always need a pen!

http://www.penpalholder.com/