I still get the paper on Sundays. Once in a while I'll come across an article that is worth sharing. This last week, in the variety section of the Star Tribune newspaper, I came across an article titled: "Avid recycler is the spark behind fix-it clinics." Subtitle: "Lamp won't light? Vacuum won't vac? Talk to Nancy Lo, lauded for her Fix-It clinics." (by Kim Ode) I was intrigued.
Basically, this gal is spreading the motto "repair is noble." Her love of recycling and being a resource for people developed into these Fix-It clinics. The clinics are run by volunteers. People who have something to fix, like you or I, can go to a location nearby and get guidance on how to fix something. Pretty cool right? I think so.
One of my mottos is: "Nice things take time." My grandmother always said this. Organizing takes time. Running and maintaining a house takes time. Fixing things is no different. So, it sounds like a great option if you are willing to put in some time and possibly save some money on buying new. It's also much greener than potentially throwing out something that may just need to be re-wired or adjusted with a new part.
While I usually encourage people to not hold on to things that don't work, just because...this is an alternative resource to consider. Plus donating something that doesn't work just doesn't seem right. I like the idea of a Fix-It clinic, to fix your stuff, and see if in fact it can have a new life with a little attention.
So, got a broken toaster, lamp, record player, iPod, toys or even clothing collecting dust? Type "fix-it clinics" in the search field at www.henepin.us. View a list of upcoming clinics, a list of common things they've helped people fix, what to bring or how to get involved as a volunteer.
Showing posts with label Twin Cities Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Twin Cities Resources. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Ebay Selling Tips & Answers to "Maybe I can sell it on Ebay?"
As a Professional Organizer and owner of Smiling Spaces, LLC, I'm constantly transferring skills and knowledge to my clients. I work right along side people in their homes, not only helping to guide the process of organizing from start to finish but also helping them figure out what to do with their stuff. I customize solutions and leave a maintenance plan in place once we've made their spaces "smile." I'm continually learning new things, and love to share my findings here on my blog, or in a monthly email newsletter I send out.
This month, I'm sharing my investigation into the place many go to sell their stuff: Ebay. Heard of it? The first thing I am going to share is that I'm convinced it's not a noun. Ebay is a verb. It requires action, time, a plan, skills and follow through. Read on and you'll see.
With six years of experience in my profession, I can answer most questions that come up in a hands-on organizing session with confidence. But it's tough when I come across a question that stumps me. For instance, a question I get a lot is "Is this worth something?" It can be a difficult question to answer without more information. Another way it might be phrased is "I don't want to get rid of this because it might be worth something." I know there is a question within this comment, and it's not so simple to answer. This might be followed by my client saying, "Maybe I can sell it on Ebay." Not having a simple answer or solution can prevent someone from letting go of an item they no longer want. If they could get money for it, donation may not be the best option. My answer is usually to have us put questionable items aside from the obvious, "keep, "donate," or "toss" items. We might create a "consider" or "sell" area in their home.
A side note:
I come from a family that values antiques, well made furniture, and heirlooms passed down from the previous generation. I understand and can appreciate keeping things of value. But I also like to remind people that what is valuable to one person may or may not be of value to another. Value of most items can change over time and increase or decrease just like anything else. I've come to learn that storing items has a cost involved that many people overlook. What is frustrating is storing items we don't love, but keep because we think they might be valuable, to later find out they are not. There has got to be a better way.
Q: How does one get into selling on Ebay?
A: For most, it probably starts out as a hobby and may turn into a modest living. Most love the hunt of finding something really unique and rare, and then turning it around for a profit.
Q: How can I figure out what something is worth on Ebay?
A: Check the "sold" price of similar items on Ebay, not the asking prices out there. You want to go by what the items actually sold for, not what they were originally listed for. Also look at how many sold based on how many were listed. Another resource to check out: www.WorthPoint.com Requires a $20/month subscription.
Q: What sells well on Ebay?
Q: If I don't want to sell my stuff myself, who can sell on Ebay for me?
A: An Ebay trading assistant can help sell your stuff on Ebay. Sometimes you can even send photographs of items you may want to sell to be appraised by someone for free. Others are willing to come out to your house for a fee to look at your stuff and tell you if anything is worth trying to sell. If you decide to have someone sell for you though, they have to be in possession of your item like a consignment agreement. If they come to your house to appraise, they may be able to take one or two items that day from you to sell. Unlike a thrift shop, most people who sell on ebay will not keep items 1-2 years. They want to turn a profit as quickly as possible too. If they can't sell something for you, ask for a recommendation for another independent appraiser.
Tip: Focus on selling your larger items first. Bigger items take up more space to store. Smaller items are easier to store and should be left last if you have a lot of items you want to sell.
Q: How much does it cost to have someone sell for me on Ebay?
Q: What are the steps it takes to sell on Ebay?
Still want to Ebay? Give it a try!
This month, I'm sharing my investigation into the place many go to sell their stuff: Ebay. Heard of it? The first thing I am going to share is that I'm convinced it's not a noun. Ebay is a verb. It requires action, time, a plan, skills and follow through. Read on and you'll see.
With six years of experience in my profession, I can answer most questions that come up in a hands-on organizing session with confidence. But it's tough when I come across a question that stumps me. For instance, a question I get a lot is "Is this worth something?" It can be a difficult question to answer without more information. Another way it might be phrased is "I don't want to get rid of this because it might be worth something." I know there is a question within this comment, and it's not so simple to answer. This might be followed by my client saying, "Maybe I can sell it on Ebay." Not having a simple answer or solution can prevent someone from letting go of an item they no longer want. If they could get money for it, donation may not be the best option. My answer is usually to have us put questionable items aside from the obvious, "keep, "donate," or "toss" items. We might create a "consider" or "sell" area in their home.
A side note:
I come from a family that values antiques, well made furniture, and heirlooms passed down from the previous generation. I understand and can appreciate keeping things of value. But I also like to remind people that what is valuable to one person may or may not be of value to another. Value of most items can change over time and increase or decrease just like anything else. I've come to learn that storing items has a cost involved that many people overlook. What is frustrating is storing items we don't love, but keep because we think they might be valuable, to later find out they are not. There has got to be a better way.
Questions Answered
I recently attended a talk arranged by my Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers where I got a lot of answers to a list of questions I had about Ebay. Below are the answers I'm happy to share.Q: How does one get into selling on Ebay?
A: For most, it probably starts out as a hobby and may turn into a modest living. Most love the hunt of finding something really unique and rare, and then turning it around for a profit.
Q: How can I figure out what something is worth on Ebay?
A: Check the "sold" price of similar items on Ebay, not the asking prices out there. You want to go by what the items actually sold for, not what they were originally listed for. Also look at how many sold based on how many were listed. Another resource to check out: www.WorthPoint.com Requires a $20/month subscription.
Q: What sells well on Ebay?
- High-End Collectibles and Furniture (if best examples in their category and are rare)
- Electronics (if they work well)
- Pocket Knives and Watches (easy to photograph and have less parts to match)
- Designer Clothes
- Books (if well cared for)
- Need to have really good photos and descriptions
- Items need to be clean (some collectibles are better left with their patina, so only a light wipe is best)
- Be honest about item's details and any defects
- Choose items worth $100 or more to make it worth your time
- Electronics (do they work?)
- Dolls (many from 1970s or later were mass marketed)
- Jewelry (needs to be identifiable and know gold content)
- Purses
- Beanie Babies
- Baseball Cards
- Stamps (really hard)
- Coins (a little easier)
- Toys or Anything with lots of parts (everything needs to match and be complete in many cases)
Q: If I don't want to sell my stuff myself, who can sell on Ebay for me?
A: An Ebay trading assistant can help sell your stuff on Ebay. Sometimes you can even send photographs of items you may want to sell to be appraised by someone for free. Others are willing to come out to your house for a fee to look at your stuff and tell you if anything is worth trying to sell. If you decide to have someone sell for you though, they have to be in possession of your item like a consignment agreement. If they come to your house to appraise, they may be able to take one or two items that day from you to sell. Unlike a thrift shop, most people who sell on ebay will not keep items 1-2 years. They want to turn a profit as quickly as possible too. If they can't sell something for you, ask for a recommendation for another independent appraiser.
Tip: Focus on selling your larger items first. Bigger items take up more space to store. Smaller items are easier to store and should be left last if you have a lot of items you want to sell.
Q: How much does it cost to have someone sell for me on Ebay?
A: A trading assistant will gather your expectations and goals for selling your stuff as well as discuss a time frame. Some have a set commission or will negotiate a commission. Keep in mind that they have templates ready to use and plug in, which saves them time, but they have to pay Ebay and Pay Pal as well. In any case, you will also have to invest time cleaning your items. Most people that sell for you will not do the detail cleaning and polishing required for a successful sale.
Q: What if my stuff isn't worth what I thought it was worth?
A: I learned that it's sort of an "un-freezing process" for many people when they hear whether their stuff is worth something or not. The attitude people have about their things may change. They will think more about the "holding costs" items have in their homes and may reconsider what is worth keeping.
Tip: Save time. Don't clean items before you have them appraised. Evaluating dirty items is expected. If it is worth something, you can detail clean it then.
Q: What are the challenges to selling on Ebay?
Q: What if my stuff isn't worth what I thought it was worth?
A: I learned that it's sort of an "un-freezing process" for many people when they hear whether their stuff is worth something or not. The attitude people have about their things may change. They will think more about the "holding costs" items have in their homes and may reconsider what is worth keeping.
Tip: Save time. Don't clean items before you have them appraised. Evaluating dirty items is expected. If it is worth something, you can detail clean it then.
Q: What are the challenges to selling on Ebay?
- Answering the question "what has value" to begin with can be tricky
- Items usually need to be in high demand to sell well
- There are counterfeits out there (Rolex watches for instance)
- Keeping inventory organized can be a challenge
- Things are seasonal (items will sell better at different times of the year)
Q: What are the steps it takes to sell on Ebay?
- Research Price
- Detail Clean items
- Write Descriptions (defects, details)
- Photograph
- List
- Inventory
- Store
- Receive Bids
- Answer Questions about item
- Complete Order Details
- Ship
Still want to Ebay? Give it a try!
Think you'll leave it up to the pros? Leave a comment below, and let me know what you think, found helpful, or still want to know. Thanks!
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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.
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
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| Closet (Before) |
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| 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.
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| Coats in Corner of Closet (Before) |
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| Cluttered Closet (Before) |
How it turned out:
|
| Closet (After) |
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)
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| 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.
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| Pull Out Storage Bins for each family member |
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| 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.
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| A spot for the Diaper Bag, Recipe Books, and Reusable Shopping Bags |
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| 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!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
3 Ways to Organize Christmas Lights
Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is also National Buy Nothing Day? Which will you be doing? If you decide to not go out shopping, but still want to prepare for the holidays this weekend, it's a great time to organize your Christmas Lights!
Got a bunch of Christmas lights to untangle?
Organizing Tip: Keep Christmas Lights untangled by wrapping them around a clothes hanger. Here's a picture I pinned on my Holiday Pinterest Board:
Got strands of lights that don't work?
Christmas Light Recycling Resource: Find locations in Minnesota. Click Here
How to keep it organized and handy so you can always find it:
Watch our short video.
Got a bunch of Christmas lights to untangle?
Organizing Tip: Keep Christmas Lights untangled by wrapping them around a clothes hanger. Here's a picture I pinned on my Holiday Pinterest Board:
Got strands of lights that don't work?
Christmas Light Recycling Resource: Find locations in Minnesota. Click Here
Got a Christmas Lights remote?
How to keep it organized and handy so you can always find it:
Watch our short video.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
How do you define a space you want to be in?
I define spaces someone wants to be in by calling them smiling spaces. These are rooms or spaces in your home that can lift your spirits and literally make you "smile." They are not perfect, but have a purpose and work for you rather than against you. A smiling space is simple, it reflects the people that use the area and helps them be organized.
I personally tend to be attracted to colorful spaces that are cheerful, bright, and fresh looking. I guess that's why I designed my new Smiling Spaces' expo signage with that in mind. My tag line is: "less piles, more smiles," and as you can see I show a neat stack of folded towels that would definitely make your linen closet "smile." How about you? Does your kitchen or desktop make you smile? Now wouldn't it be nice to have less piles there so that you could find everything when you need it? It's an ongoing maintenance project I know I work on daily. Getting started can be tough, but you just have to start somewhere and stick with it. If your spaces don't make you smile, it may be a sign to try something else, re-organize, and get a new perspective.
I personally tend to be attracted to colorful spaces that are cheerful, bright, and fresh looking. I guess that's why I designed my new Smiling Spaces' expo signage with that in mind. My tag line is: "less piles, more smiles," and as you can see I show a neat stack of folded towels that would definitely make your linen closet "smile." How about you? Does your kitchen or desktop make you smile? Now wouldn't it be nice to have less piles there so that you could find everything when you need it? It's an ongoing maintenance project I know I work on daily. Getting started can be tough, but you just have to start somewhere and stick with it. If your spaces don't make you smile, it may be a sign to try something else, re-organize, and get a new perspective.
Our NEW Signage:
(NorthTown Mall: Shop Local Business Expo in Blaine, MN
which was put on by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce
and took place Sat. November 10th, 2012)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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| Fire Hat and Ax |
- 1 Plastic Hanging File Tote with Lid
- 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
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Organizing "On a Stick"
If you've attended the Minnesota State Fair in the past, you probably know that there seems to be a lot of food "on a stick." My favorite is the deep fried snickers candy bar. Yum! With our State Fair starting tomorrow, I thought I'd have a little fun tying in a few organizing tips. What I believe makes the State Fair so great:
1) Being inspired by all the sewing, quilting, arts and crafts displayed.
Organizing "on a stick" Tip: Use extra buttons for keeping earring pairs together. I love how quick this makes packing jewelry for a trip.
2) Being able to use the park 'n ride, take public transportation, and walk around people watching.
Organizing "on a stick" Tip: Keep your car keys from disappearing by always putting them in the same spot. I found these cool fork and spoon hooks at Bachman's in Fridley, MN. They're hanging in my kitchen.
3) Eating tons of great food, especially fried cheese curds, the best dang corn on the cob, and a chocolate malt while watching some girl's head be sculpted out of butter.
Organizing "on a stick" Tip: Make a "cheesy chum" face by cutting away the red wax coating on those terrifically tasty mini babybel round cheeses. Here's one I made with a mustache to make my Dad laugh.
If you go this year, Have fun! The Minnesota State Fair Runs Thurs, Aug 23rd-Labor Day, Sept 3rd
1) Being inspired by all the sewing, quilting, arts and crafts displayed.
2) Being able to use the park 'n ride, take public transportation, and walk around people watching.
3) Eating tons of great food, especially fried cheese curds, the best dang corn on the cob, and a chocolate malt while watching some girl's head be sculpted out of butter.
Organizing "on a stick" Tip: Make a "cheesy chum" face by cutting away the red wax coating on those terrifically tasty mini babybel round cheeses. Here's one I made with a mustache to make my Dad laugh.
If you go this year, Have fun! The Minnesota State Fair Runs Thurs, Aug 23rd-Labor Day, Sept 3rd
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
How to make a Mini Terrarium Garden
Making a mini terrarium garden, also called a fairy garden by some, is really quite simple and super fun! Based on how I did it, I've come up with six steps to help you make one too.
1) Pick a location in your home for your container to "live." It should be a spot with indirect, filtered light. So, not a spot that gets a lot of direct sunlight. This will also help determine how big of a container you should get based on how much space you have.
2) Find a glass container around your house or shop for your terrarium. I used an old fish bowl my mom gave me that we had as kids.
3) Shop for mini plants. Pick an odd number. I picked three for my medium sized bowl.
4) Pick up contents.
-river rocks to line the bottom
-a bag of black charcoal to help with drainage that will go on top of the layer of rocks
-potting soil that goes on top of the charcoal
-mini garden accessories (consider a little bench or chair, tools, a path or bridge) Have fun with it!
5) Put it together. Clean your container out and add the three layers (rocks, charcoal, soil). Arrange your plants first to make sure you give each enough room. If you have a bigger accessory, like a path or bridge, place that in next. Then add your smaller accessories to fill in the space. Once you've got everything spaced out, plant your mini plants and press your accessories in so they stay in place.
6) Enjoy & maintain. If you ever want to rearrange your garden, you can. To maintain it, a little mister works great for ferns. Otherwise, carefully water around your plants at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. Keep it moist to the touch, and don't over water.
What I put in my Mini Terrarium:
-a bench, path, red lantern on hook, watering can, raking tools and shovel, wheel barrel, two medium rocks, turquoise pebbles and broken seashells to look like water. All of my plants and most of my accessories were found at Bachman's.
1) Pick a location in your home for your container to "live." It should be a spot with indirect, filtered light. So, not a spot that gets a lot of direct sunlight. This will also help determine how big of a container you should get based on how much space you have.
2) Find a glass container around your house or shop for your terrarium. I used an old fish bowl my mom gave me that we had as kids.
3) Shop for mini plants. Pick an odd number. I picked three for my medium sized bowl.
4) Pick up contents.
-river rocks to line the bottom
-a bag of black charcoal to help with drainage that will go on top of the layer of rocks
-potting soil that goes on top of the charcoal
-mini garden accessories (consider a little bench or chair, tools, a path or bridge) Have fun with it!
5) Put it together. Clean your container out and add the three layers (rocks, charcoal, soil). Arrange your plants first to make sure you give each enough room. If you have a bigger accessory, like a path or bridge, place that in next. Then add your smaller accessories to fill in the space. Once you've got everything spaced out, plant your mini plants and press your accessories in so they stay in place.
6) Enjoy & maintain. If you ever want to rearrange your garden, you can. To maintain it, a little mister works great for ferns. Otherwise, carefully water around your plants at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. Keep it moist to the touch, and don't over water.
What I put in my Mini Terrarium:
-a bench, path, red lantern on hook, watering can, raking tools and shovel, wheel barrel, two medium rocks, turquoise pebbles and broken seashells to look like water. All of my plants and most of my accessories were found at Bachman's.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Last Minute Wedding Planning: Stationery
Planning a wedding last minute? Need wedding invites, place cards, menus, thank yous and more quick?
Perhaps you're someone who never plans ahead. Maybe you even wait until the last minute to accomplish projects or tasks others might spend months working on. As a Professional Organizer, I work a lot with people who put things off and leave things to the last minute. Whether you're planning a wedding or not, no worries. There are professionals out there to help individuals just like you. For this particular dilemma, read on.
Get "Last Minute" Wedding Stationery Quick!
"Designs By Direction" makes beautiful paper programs, escort cards, invites, save the dates, thank yous, menus, table cards, and more! Great for hard to find day of wedding stationery.
(all handled online)
www.Etsy.com/shop/DesignsByDirection
A note from the shop: "If your stationer doesn't carry the day of products you want, you'll be forced to shop elsewhere, breaking the consistency between your invitation's artwork, colors and fonts with your day of stationery. DesignsByDirection. . .hassle-free with one-stop shopping! If you have a design idea in mind that you don't see in my shop, email me a preview and I will do my best to create your invitation stationery to your specifications. With my specialty in typography, I bring over 20-years experience to this lost art. Wedding Invitations...mostly made up of type...a difference you can see!"
What's quicker than a downloadable wedding resource?
While I'm not a wedding planner, I can help you get all of your wedding planning ideas in one spot. Check out my Organize Your Dream Wedding Workbook download.
Perhaps you're someone who never plans ahead. Maybe you even wait until the last minute to accomplish projects or tasks others might spend months working on. As a Professional Organizer, I work a lot with people who put things off and leave things to the last minute. Whether you're planning a wedding or not, no worries. There are professionals out there to help individuals just like you. For this particular dilemma, read on.
Get "Last Minute" Wedding Stationery Quick!
"Designs By Direction" makes beautiful paper programs, escort cards, invites, save the dates, thank yous, menus, table cards, and more! Great for hard to find day of wedding stationery.
(all handled online)
www.Etsy.com/shop/DesignsByDirection
A note from the shop: "If your stationer doesn't carry the day of products you want, you'll be forced to shop elsewhere, breaking the consistency between your invitation's artwork, colors and fonts with your day of stationery. DesignsByDirection. . .hassle-free with one-stop shopping! If you have a design idea in mind that you don't see in my shop, email me a preview and I will do my best to create your invitation stationery to your specifications. With my specialty in typography, I bring over 20-years experience to this lost art. Wedding Invitations...mostly made up of type...a difference you can see!"
What's quicker than a downloadable wedding resource?
While I'm not a wedding planner, I can help you get all of your wedding planning ideas in one spot. Check out my Organize Your Dream Wedding Workbook download.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Free Drop Boxes for Old Meds
Ever wonder what to do with old medicines you no longer need or want? It used to be common practice to just dump medicines down the toilet. But with concerns about contaminating our water supply, experts suggest not doing that. It could make us or someone else sick, and is bad for the environment.
1) Keep the medicine in it's original container: scratch off the patient's name or cover it with a sharpie
2) Leave the content information on: and then do something to modify the medicine For solids like pills: add water to dissolve the pills For liquids: and salt, flour, charcoal, or a non toxic spice or mustard to make it smell bad
3) Seal & Conceal: Tape the medicine container lid shut or wrap packs of wrapped pills with duct tape. Then place it in a non-transparent bag or container like an empty yogurt container.
4) Discard: Put in the garbage can, not recycling.
In Hennepin County, Minnesota: There are now free drop boxes offered for disposing of old meds. They'll Take: prescription drugs, including controlled substances, over the counter drugs, vitamins, and pet meds. They won't take liquids, needles, syringes, or anything from a business. No ID needed, only legal drugs, in original container or in clear plastic bag.
The boxes are green and located at:
- Public Safety Facility, 401 4th Av. S., Minneapolis (any time and day)
- Sheriff's Patrol Headquarters, 9401 83rd Av. N., Brooklyn Park (m-f 8-4:30)
- Sheriff's Water Patrol, 4141 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park (m-f 8-4:30)
(If you can't get to a drop box) How to dispose of medicines in the trash:
2) Leave the content information on: and then do something to modify the medicine For solids like pills: add water to dissolve the pills For liquids: and salt, flour, charcoal, or a non toxic spice or mustard to make it smell bad
3) Seal & Conceal: Tape the medicine container lid shut or wrap packs of wrapped pills with duct tape. Then place it in a non-transparent bag or container like an empty yogurt container.
4) Discard: Put in the garbage can, not recycling.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Time to Tackle your Taxes
Smiling Spaces Organized Talent Tip Sheets: "Organizing for Tax Time"
Fox Tax, LLC http://www.foxtaxservice.com
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
2012 Twin Cities Actor Expo
Are you a disorganized Performing Artist? Live in the Twin Cities area?
Don't miss the 2012 Twin Cities Actor Expo!
Make sure to stop by the Smiling Spaces booth and get a closer look at our Organized Talent offerings: Organized Talent Tipsheets, Beyond Talent Book, & Performing Artists 10% Discount for organizing services
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
8:45AM (doors open)
Tickets: $35 per person ($40 at the door)
Spend the day with local actors, casting directors, agents, AFTRA and Equity representatives and many other industry professionals. Learn about the business of acting in the Twin Cities! Morning seminars will be geared toward parents of child actors and novices. Afternoon sessions will be specifically for the working, professional actor. Seminars will address commercials, industrials, stage, voice-overs and much more. After all seminars are over come and join us for a networking happy hour from 5pm-7pm. Cash bar, light appetizers, and entertainment!
Don't miss the 2012 Twin Cities Actor Expo!
Make sure to stop by the Smiling Spaces booth and get a closer look at our Organized Talent offerings: Organized Talent Tipsheets, Beyond Talent Book, & Performing Artists 10% Discount for organizing services
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
8:45AM (doors open)
Tickets: $35 per person ($40 at the door)
Spend the day with local actors, casting directors, agents, AFTRA and Equity representatives and many other industry professionals. Learn about the business of acting in the Twin Cities! Morning seminars will be geared toward parents of child actors and novices. Afternoon sessions will be specifically for the working, professional actor. Seminars will address commercials, industrials, stage, voice-overs and much more. After all seminars are over come and join us for a networking happy hour from 5pm-7pm. Cash bar, light appetizers, and entertainment!
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