Fabric Wall-Mount Magazine/Mail Organizer

I am always trying to tackle the pile of mail that collects over the weeks.  I've tried keeping it in drawers, in the desk chair, counter-tops, etc.  I can never find a good "hiding" place.

Then, I saw this Fabric Wall-Mount Magazine/Mail Organizer. 

At the suggestion of the Container Store Associate, I used these Adhesive Utility Hooks to secure it to the inside of my laundry room door.  Each hook holds up to 3 lbs, so it should work.  Now the surfaces in my home are clean and my magazines and mail are tucked away.

This might be the best hiding place yet!

Feng Shui

A friend of mine gave me a book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui to read. My first thought was that it is such a nice gesture. My second thought was that I know a lot about Feng Shui already. So, what could I possibly learn from this book?

I had a private Feng Shui consultation several years ago. I also own the book Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life is technical. It speaks of the baguas, the nine energy centers of your home, and what you can do to improve the energy in those areas. It is a "how to" book. The book is a great resource and easy to read. I keep it in my library, for reference.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is more conceptual and provides great advice that I must share. I found myself writing down thoughts from the book that are important reminders.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. The more that you can learn to trust that life will take care of you, the more life will take care of you.

2. If a material possession is taken or missing, it leaves space for another to come into your life.

3. The whole function of money is not to have it, its function is to use it. The main reason for generating money is to buy experiences. You want to end your life with zilch in the bank and a lifetime of experiences.

4. When it is time, let it go.

5. Making a point to always look good is one of the best ways you can raise your energy and to attract yourself better prosperity.

6. What you resist persists. When you stop resisting, it stops persisting.

7. If you don't like it get rid of it. It gives off energetic gloom.

8. Don't put up with giving yourself second best. When you nourish yourself by giving yourself the best you can, that signal goes out and will attract the best in other areas of your life, too.

9. Things that need fixing are an energy drain. Your subconscious mind keeps track of it. When you see it or are reminded of it, your energy drops.

10. When you care for your home by looking after it, you are loving and respecting yourself.

11. If an item does not serve you, but you keep it for sentimental reasons, take a picture of it and get rid of it!

12. If you don't like a gift, get rid of it. You can still appreciate the sentiment.

13. I freely and easily release the old and joyously welcome the new!

14.  When you are sorting your possessions/clothes, does the item lift your energy when you think about it or look at it?  Do you absolutely love it?  Is it genuinely useful?  If no, get rid of it.

15.  Anything you are keeping "just in case," you are keeping out of fear.

16.  Focus on what you want to happen rather than what you are worried will happen.  Dwell on what is wonderful in your life, so more wonderful stuff will come your way.

17.  Everything you criticize and judge about others is some thing you don't like about yourself.

18.  Just be.  It quiets the chatter and allows you to be open to higher wisdom and guidance, and greater creativity.

19.  Live in the moment.

20.  Everything our lower emotion gets upset about is a situation that our Higher Self has set up to get our attention, because some thing needs to change.

21.  Let go of your grievances and get on with your life.

22.  The higher purpose of cleaning clutter is therefore to clear the debris that prevents us from connecting with our Higher Self and with our Higher Power.

I know this is a lot to think about.  I wrote this post, so I can look back and reflect on these lessons. 

I recommend both books, because they really compliment each other.

Thanks, Anne, for lending the book to me! I didn't realize how much I had to learn. It was meant to be.

Look Book

Not unlike most people, I find inspiration in the most mundane activities. A new song may be on the radio, and I have to add it to my next Spinning class playlist. I might smell cookies baking and have to eat one (or four). On a nice day, I must enjoy the weather and take my dogs on an extra long walk.

As far as fashion and home design go, I often find my inspiration in magazines. As I flip through my favorites, I pull out pages that inspire me. To organize these pages, I created my own "Look Book." I bought an accordion file organizer (see terrible photo above) and labeled the tabs---clothes/shoes, home, products (hair/face/body), accessories, and other/gifts. I file the pages and refer to them before I shop.

Some times, I hunt down the exact item. Other times, I find an item (like fashion trends or home decor) that is similar.

Most of the time, I just keep the images, because they make me feel good and inspired. These images are like a dream/other life or aspiration for the future.

My Look Book also doubles as a wish list. I keep pictures of items that I hope to have one day. These are "big ticket" items that I save up for or hope to acquire. (Kinda like a vision board a la The Secret? ha ha ha)

It is important to me to live an inspired life. Keep things (images, books, songs, loved ones, fragrances, textures, etc.) that inspire you close by and enjoy them. Be inspired.

Best,
Julie

Another Use for Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers

I got this great idea from Today's Creative Blog . I love this site!

Over-the-door shoe organizers are great for keeping your closet floors clutter-free and allows all of your shoes to be seen. I never considered using the organizer for any thing other than shoes. I was missing out. You can store any thing you want in those compartments. Duh! Such a simple and useful idea!

For me, I keep my dog leashes (and other pet supplies), keys, note pad/pen, mail (one slot for bills, another for shredding), scissors, umbrella, etc. This is a great way to keep those drawers clutter-free.

My organizer is located over the door of my laundry closet. Where are you going to put yours?

Enjoy!
Julie

Clothing Closet Cleaning: Step 1--Sorting Items in Your Clothing Closet

We wear 10% of our closet 90% of the time!
My guess is that the percentage would be much higher, if we could see what is in our closets. How much time do you spend standing in your closet every morning (in a rush) trying to decide what to wear? Clothing closet organization is key to starting your day off right.

One of my favorite things to do is helping people organize their clothing closets. After cleaning a clothing closet, my clients have said that they feel renewed and excited to get dressed every day. Some even say that the sorting is a cathartic experience. They are excited to "shop" their closets. Clients enjoy being reacquainted with items that were lost in the abyss of their closet.

Getting started:

Pick an item and ask yourself the following questions:

Does the item serve you? (Do you wear it? Do you have a occasion to wear it?)
If yes, keep it.
In no, give it away (to some one or charity). Start a donation pile. Make a pile for each person you are giving items to.

Does the item fit?
If yes, proceed to next question.
If no, can it be altered (taken in/let out, shortened, etc.)? If yes, put in pile for alterations.

NOTE: It is time to accept the fact that buying clothing "off the rack" and expecting it to fit you properly or well is unreasonable!! Build the cost of alterations into the cost of a garment. Our bodies are not mannequins and we are not models. You will enjoy your clothing more, if it fits your body properly. Get a good tailor and be nice to him/her. He/she will help you look your best. A good tailor will help you camouflage your trouble areas and accentuate your best.

Is the garment flattering to your body type? Check out my links to Dress for Your Body Type and Common Body Concerns for more information. When in doubt about whether a garment or outfit is flattering, ask some one.

Does the piece need to be mended or repaired?
If yes, put aside to take for alteration or shoe repair. Make note of needs to be addressed with each item.

Does it need to be washed or dry cleaned?
If yes, add to dry cleaning or dirty clothes hamper.

Is the item outdated?
If yes, can it be updated by a tailor? Keep the items and take them to your tailor. He/she will be able to advise you on what can be done. Ask how much the changes will cost. Then you can decide if it is worth updating or give away and purchase a replacement item.

Take the items for donation/give away out of the house immediately. Visit your tailor and dry cleaner ASAP.

Next week, I will address Step 2-Arranging Your Closet.

Be Balanced,
Julie