Vidcon 2015

by Filed Under: Organization

This year I traveled to California with my sister-in-law for Vidcon 2015.  VidCon is short for “Video Conference” and is the largest video blogger convention hosted in the Anaheim convention center every summer.  The conference was started by John and Hank Greene and just celebrated it’s 6th year.

This adventure was my first experience traveling for and truly investing in my YouTube channel.  Living in North Carolina, outside of my standard “naptime editing”, leaving comments, or random meetings with viewers out and about (I always love that!), I don’t get the opportunity often to be in a place with so many creators and be challenged to grow.  We have family in the area, so that made everything even sweeter.   Plus I mean, it’s sunny Southern California!

The following videos summarize the entire trip…thoughts, feelings, emotions, and an exciting collaboration!.  Hope you enjoy!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

From Diaper Box to Organizer!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Money Saving, Organization

I know we all have diaper boxes or Amazon boxes sitting in the recycle bin.  Why not take some jute twine and a little hot glue and make them over to create a classic organizer.  It’s so easy and is pennies on the dollar compared to expensive rope organizing boxes.  Hope you give this simple craft a try!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Dollar Tree Organizing

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Organization

The Dollar Tree has lots of new inventory for the upcoming fall season.  It’s back to school, so they are gearing up for students shopping for their college dorm rooms, and there are so many items to choose from to get you organized.

Here are some of my favorites and some before and after tours of spaces I’ve tackled in my own home.

Happy shopping!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Budget Organization | Goodwill Haul

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Organization

Check out how I’m continuing to organize areas of my home using thrifty finds!  You DO NOT have to spend an arm and a leg to get organized, and I’m here to prove it!

Also, recently thanks to my friend Cas from the OrganizedClutterbug, I was able to collaborate with Peter Walsh on his organizing channel to share some of my favorite kitchen organization tips and tricks.  Hope you’ll check it out!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Dollar Tree Haul | New Products!

by Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization

Happy Father’s Day, y’all!  (P.S.  If you want to see our Happy Father’s Day Video, click here!)

I wanted to share a haul from Dollar Tree of some brand new organizing products and a few items that I’ve never seen before that are definitely worth a mention!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Simple & Organized Airline Travel

by Filed Under: Organization

I used to be a chronic over-packer.  I’m not gonna sugar coat it.  I just was.

I’ve gotten to the place where traveling lights is so much more practical and easier.  We have quite a few flights planned this summer, and here is how I’m keeping my travel plans and stress low.

1)  Travel Simply.  Don’t over-pack!  If you are debating whether or not to bring something think about it like this: if you can buy it for $20 in 20 minutes or less at your destination, you can leave it behind.

2)  Use Zipblock Bags!  Store entire outfits in Ziplock bags (especially kids’ clothes).  Get to your destination, and each days’ outfits are planned and ready to go.  No thinking required.

3)  Make your own packing cubes using old comforter or sheet cases, and makeup bags.  They work just as well and keep your luggage extremely organized.

4)  Make your luggage stand out.  Use a ribbon or a tag so it’s easy to spot in the conveyer belt for checked bags.

5)  Take a photo of your parking spot at the airport.  You won’t forget where your car is.

6)  Bring simple snacks with disposable packaging.  This is a great way to get rid of leftovers in the fridge before your trip.  Bring empty water bottles to the airport and fill them once you are checked in.

7)  Save those Starbucks gift cards for the trip home.  You won’t be able to bring food mostly likely, and every airport has a Starbucks!

8)  With kids, prepared does not mean more.  Less is more.  Simple is better.

9) Travel with a garbage bag, jam all the dirty clothes in over the course of the tip, toss it in your luggage, and wash immediately when you get home.

10)  Unpack right away.  You will be refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of your routine.

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*This is not a sponsored video.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Dollar Tree Organizing Makeover!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Organization

IMG_1586Having multi-use spaces in your home poses a challenge for effective organizing.  But, just because you have a small home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice spaces feeling open and organized.  A friend of mine has a pantry/laundry room combination in her kitchen.  Trying to combine two very different areas, she felt overwhelmed.  She was trying to hide food in the cupboards, in the laundry room, wherever she could squeeze in space!  But, she never felt like things were easy to access, and she wanted a system in place.

Here was the space before:

Screen Shot 2015-06-11 at 9.36.39 AM Really, she just needed a way to contain everything she was using and to think outside the box when organizing.  Sometimes we are so used to having things one particular way that we don’t take time to think if that zone is really the most effective use of space.

In a trip to the Dollar Tree and the Dollar Spot at Target, everything was completed for right around $30.  No kidding.  Here is the after:

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Check out the video to see the secrets behind some of these systems!


 

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinion are genuinely my own.  Links contain affiliates.*

Easy Salad in a Jar | Organized Lunches!

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Organization, Recipes

Making lunches can be a pain (I mean really…we have to do it EVERY DAY??), and making healthy choices is even more time consuming.  Washing, cutting, peeling, prepping.  That’s why I’m loving my salad in a jar.  They are so easy to prep at the beginning of the week, so you can eat healthfully all week long but not have to worry about the time commitment.

Here is how I prepare and serve them along with my favorite home-made Italian Dressing.

 Italian Dressing

  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • (Red pepper flakes for a little kick…my favorite part!)

signature*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Living Well Spending Less | Book Club Intro.

by Filed Under: Money Saving, Organization

Hilary from my So-Called-Home and I want to invite YOU to join our book club.  In three weeks time, on June 27th, we will be posting a video discussing our reactions to the book Living Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup.

Soukup is a Christian author in search of “The Good Life”, a theme that really resonated with me.  Have you ever felt your life (and budget) were spiraling out of control?  Do you struggle to find balance?  So did Ruth, and her honesty and wisdom in this book (from the first few chapters I have begun to read) genuinely shares her heart and how she overcame depression and unbalance in her life in practical, biblical ways.

“Ruth Soukup knows firsthand how stressful an unorganized life and budget can be. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action plans, she will inspire you to make real and lasting changes to your personal goals, home, and finances.” (book description)

Her advice is simple and easy to digest, and I can’t wait for you to join in our discussion and take meaningful steps to impact your life.

Please join the discussion on June 27th!  You can listen to the audio book for free here.

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.  Links contain affiliates.*

Dollar Store Furniture and Decor

by Filed Under: DIY Projects, Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Organization

There are a couple main player in my eyes in the Dollar Store game: Dollar Tree (where everything is $1), Family Dollar (where things are more than a Dollar, but still very inexpensive).

Here are some of my favorite organizational and decor products in recent weeks from these two stores.  Easy, inexpensive, functional, AND beautiful!  What more could you ask for?

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*This is not a sponsored video.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*