149 The First Ever IHeart Organizing "VLOG" is HERE!

Thank you so much for submitting ALL of your questions for the first ever IHeart Organizing video blog {a.k.a. vlog}!  I had received over 120 questions via blog comments, email and facebook, each and every one a great topic for today's video.  Of course, I am just making assumptions here, but answering 120 questions in one video may get a little long winded, so I opted for 10 randomly selected "About Me" options instead.

I filmed the video with my helpers, Peyton and Bryan, while Preston occupied Parker in another room.  I had printed out and numbered 45 "about me" questions, and using random.org Bryan randomly selected 9 of those questions for me to answer on the spot, all while Peyton was running the Flip video cam.  The last question was such a popular one, that I threw it in there just for that reason...

So without letting myself over think about the insane number of views this video could get {6 total if you count my husband, my bff, my mom and my three daily readers}, here is the VERY FIRST EVER IHEART ORGANIZING VLOG! {seriously YouTube, could you have picked a slightly less crabby looking first impression picture to display for my video?  Geeze!}

First, let me just put it out there and say, a video blog is so not easy!  Wow.  For anyone that is awesome at it, I commend you.  I seriously will bow down to you and kiss your hopefully very clean feet, because you have an incredible gift.  For those of you that do not understand, I say give it a try once and then try watching your videos back without critiquing them to pieces.  I'm not gonna lie when I say that for me, it was the most awkward experience trying to have a one sided conversation with a camera.  And then trying not to look awkward while doing it only makes me more awkward....  I also decided that I want to change the blog name from IHeart Organizing to WeHeart Organizing, so my husband can be on the video also, because he makes me laugh and helps my personality shine.  Alone... not so much...

However, even if you think today's video is mediocre at best, I am planning on doing another.  And then another.  Because I think that I need help growing in this area and the only way to grow is to keep throwing myself out there.  And even if that means that only my mom stops by to watch my strange videos, that's OK with me!

For those of you who don't have sound or are at work and can't watch the video, to summarize for you:

1. My favorite project completed since starting the blog is my closet office.
2. I finally shared my true age, which is 30, my husband is almost 32 and my kids are Preston 10, Peyton 7 and Parker 4.  We were babies getting married at the ages of 19 and 21 and just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this past July!
3. We are done having kidlets since we are so blessed already with three happy and healthy boys.
4. I am sometimes as excitable in person as I am in my writing, like when I am with my close friends and family.  Which I guess means I consider you all close friends and family too!  When I am doing my first vlog, not so excitable...
5. I do re-organize some of the same spaces over and over as the needs of our family and lives change.  Or, if I just completely biff it the first time...
6. I would love to visit Johnny Depp and Scarlett Johansson to help them organize their homes.  I am waiting eagerly by the phone for their calls...
7. My husband and I met through good friends of ours that met online.
8. It never bothers me at all if someone were to "copy" one of my ideas or something I have done.  I actually encourage it!
9. I am sorry to make you all sad and reveal that I do not have a "Monica" closet anywhere.
10. And last but not least, my major life changing up until now top secret news reveal... I am no longer doing daycare and blogging; I have been blessed to move forward with solely blogging and running my Etsy shop and following my dreams!  Coolest.  Thing.  Ever.

To try and explain to you how I feel about posting my first video... the only way I can put it is that I feel like I am standing in the middle of town, naked.  Yep, no need to picture that, just saying... it's like a whole new world of no turning back.  Your previous notions of me have all been changed now which is such a scary and strange feeling...

That said, I meant what I said in the video.  I am beyond grateful for you and your daily support and for helping make this dream of mine come true {enough with the cheese already right?}.  But really, every time you share the blog, or leave a comment or order a printable, I feel endless gratitude and my heart smiles.

So about those other 110 questions...

I have a ton of new blog post topic ideas, like tips and tricks for organizing a small bathroom, a floor plan of our home with measurements along with a full resource list of all of the items in our abode as well.  Everything I can share about my blogging process from getting started to editing pictures to posting to everything in-between.  And more about my daily routine {when I get settled into my new one} and my updated cleaning regimen.

I also have a plethora of ideas for "You Asked, IHeart Answering" posts, which I will be taking more of your questions and even personal dilemma's to address in either a written post or maybe even in an upcoming video!  So stay tuned for that!

So I gotta know, am I way different "in person" than you would have thought from reading each day?  Did you learn anything new about me?  Who still doesn't know what a "Monica" closet is?  Just in case, here is the explanation...

pssst... I know I have a typo in my video.  It was bound to happen.  We can make a game of it and see if you can find it, since I can't go back and change it now unless I want to invest 2 more hours into the project... xoxo!

22 Basement Progress - Frame Update & a Link Party!

I couldn't wait, I had to do it right away!  And since I try to keep this blog as real time as possible, I am popping in with a quick update to the lovely picture frame I scored!

If you recall, earlier this week I showed you this beauty:

I mentioned my plans for it, which included removing the glass and adding cork and fabric to create my future studio pin board!  I seriously couldn't wait to spray it.  It instantly moved to the very top of my project to do list, because I knew there was so much potential in this great $10 find!

So I started by removing all of the hanging hardware off of the back and pulling out the staples that were holding the cardboard backing in place:

Then, I placed it on a drop cloth covered by two plastic trash bags that I cut and spread open:

Before I started spraying, I gave the frame a quick wipe down just to make sure that it was free of dust:

For this project I decided to try out Rustoleum's Paint and Primer in one, in Satin White. 

I am usually such a fan of any paint and primer combo paint for walls and other projects, so I figured that it must be just as fantastic in a spray can.  A little bit more expensive than just plain white, but I figured it would give me the best coverage over the dated gold frame.

I must say, it covered wonderfully.  I ended up doing three light coats to avoid any drips or clumps, and I didn't have any which really made me smile big!  Drippy spray paint is the WORST.  I let the frame dry for a couple of hours in-between each coat, and then overnight after the final coat went on, just to make sure that it was cured before moving it.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Spray paint is SO easy and quick and it really allowed me to get into all of the nooks of the frame vs messing with a paint brush!

So what about the dresser?  Here is where the final tally ended after all of your emails, comments, facebook messages, text messages and even a couple of drop ins....

Seeing how close the yellow/white numbers came in made my brain feel better about not being able to sort it out on my own.  Such a close finish!  Thank you to all who voted!!



And a button for you:

<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="IHeart Organizing" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/ihearttosprayicon300px.jpg" /></a>

I can't wait to see what you share!  And those that aren't linking up, tell me about your recent spray painting experience!  What's your favorite spray paint transformation?

32 Reader Space: Hello Homeschool!

I know today's reader spaces are not for everyone.  However, it is such a hot fun topic that I couldn't resist.  I have received a couple of amazingly cute homeschool room's from readers and I have been so crazy giddy to share them because they just left me in awe.  And it's back to school season, so what better timing?

I am sure it takes a ton of discipline and work to homeschool, and to create an environment that is suitable for the occasion can't be easy either!  So today I am sharing a few spaces to spark some ideas and provide some inspiration for those of you stuck in the organizing a homeschool rut.

First up is Diane.  She wrote:

We have been homeschooling for 9 years and our youngest is starting kindergarten this year, making that a total of five children that we homeschool.  Our classroom is in a section of our basement playroom.  We've set aside an area for desks, a small table for art, a book center, and a multifunction storage cabinet that doubles as a showcase for artwork when it's opened up.  The desks are former architect tables that we picked up at an antique warehouse while on vacation one year!  We paired them with really inexpensive chairs from our favorite Swedish store {where we got the bookcases and art table as well}.  The scalloped cabinet was a garage sale treasure, repainted with glossy white paint that was left over from a home project.  Since the desks don't have storage inside, the children use baskets to hold all their books.  I'd like to say they are neat, but I have three sons, at least it's all contained in one place!

What's best about the space is that it is so multifunctional!  The desks can be moved to the wall when they want to hold a sporting event there, and my littlest can sit at the art table and color when her siblings are doing their lessons.  Everything gets cleaned up quickly too since it all just sits inside a basket!

Well, that's how we do school.  Can't wait to see how other moms do it, and great some more great ideas!  Thank you!

 

I totally dig those desks and personal baskets!  Love that!!  And that she was so thrifty about putting the room together!

But that's not all.  I get to feature two readers today!  How cool is that?

Carrie wrote:

We moved into the house on July 1. This room was entirely paneling--kind of like a cave. I wish I had gotten a pic with the heavy traverse drapes up too.

Right wall: The wall bookcase is made from four, 9-unit Closetmaid Cubeicals units, available from Lowes or Target. The top two rows are "my" stuff such as homeschool support books, curriculum, history/culture books, etc. I used my label maker to label the necessary cubes. The cubes across the bottom hold some learning games, floor puzzles, our multicolored masking tape dispenser {DiscountSchoolSupply.com}, our snap case of scissors, glue, and paper punches, and our clear paint buckets holding crayons, pencils, and markers. The two large pink stacking baskets are from Target. The bottom one holds puzzles--each in a zippy quart-sized bag. The top basket holds all of the baby doll stuff. 

Window wall: The toy cabinet and toy kitchen are from DiscountSchoolSupply.com. The shoebox-sized Sterlite bins fit the cabinet perfectly. I have each labeled with a clipart picture and a label, attached with packing tape. The toy kitchen holds our flat puzzles in the bottom. The wall alphabet was just collected from random finds, toys, etc. Our two hamsters, Lucy and Susan, live on top.

Left wall: The desk base is made from more Closetmaid Cubeicals units. Two 9-unit cabinets are under the middle part of the desk. Those currently contain 18 fabric drawers that hold all of our craft supplies with room to spare. There is a 2-wide by 3-high unit at each end.  My husband put this together based on the picture in my head.  The tabletop is from slabs of melamine from Lowe's. It comes in a 4x8 foot slab and we had two of them cut down appropriately. The bar stools came with the house; we just re-purposed them from the kitchen/dining room. 

Desk wall: The work-box carts are from Sams and are about $30 each. I made the cards in Microsoft Word and laminated them and applied velcro dots. The white board is magnetic and is for general use and also for our spelling curriculum. The desk was already built in. I wish that the upper cubbies had doors to cut down on visual clutter, but it works. The two top milk crates are for school records like you posted online. The pink milk crate has one folder per week and is where I hold the papers for future weeks of school. The closet holds out-of-rotation toys, school supplies, craft supplies, etc.

I'm happy to answer any questions or snap some more photos if you need them!  Thank you!

What's not to love?  Quite the transformation and endless examples of the great ways she utilized and maximized the space!  I just adore the alphabet art above the window.  She really is an organized mama, and that built in desk is just incredible!

Thank you so both Diane and Carrie for sharing their awesome spaces and what works so well for you! 


And in the spirit of the topic, I did some quick Pinterest searches to end with more ideas and inspiration.  Enjoy!!

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Any other links to great homeschool websites, rooms, resources, etc... you want to share for all of the homeschooling parents that read this blog?  What homeschooling organizing tips do you have that are working well for you?

274 IHeart: Pantry Organizing & a GIVEAWAY!

Today one of my fabulous sponsors, Shelbi who is consultant for Shelf Reliance, is popping in to offer an AMAZING giveaway to help you get your pantry in tip top organized shape!

The Cansolidator is a front loading system that automatically rotates up to 40 cans!  It's adjustable, expandable and stackable which takes the hassle out of can rotation and allows you to organize cans the way YOU want!

It's easy to assemble, giving you an organized pantry in just minutes!  Love when that happens!

Here are the product stats: 

• Rotates cans on a first in first out basis
• Holds up to 40 cans
• Holds over 100 pounds
• Stores small and medium cans {from tuna size all the way to medium 30 oz. cans}
• Adjustable width {20" at its widest}
• Units may be stacked for space optimization {note: It's recommended that no more than 2 units be stacked}

Sounds totally great right?  That's NOT ALL!  Shelbi is also offering to toss in some Thrive foods for the winner as well!!

Why will you love THRIVE foods?  Well, they are delicious of course, but then you have the little things that we all worry about, like no additives, no preservatives, no added sugar, no added salt.  These are freeze dried foods which maintain the highest amount of nutrients while also maintaining a long shelf life! 

For those of us short on time, these foods take convenience to the next level.  Onions, green and red bell peppers and celery just to name a few, come already chopped and ready to be added to your meals.  It makes for less waste and less time in the kitchen, not to mention they are totally healthy and won't go bad {most last 1-2 years!}  And don't forget that now it's back to school time and so many more lunches are to be made.  Freeze dried fruits are a great addition because they are a yummy healthy snack for your kidlets!!

Here are the details:

• Giveaway is for one Shelf Reliance Cansolidator of your choice, along with some Thrive Food samples!  That's over a $50 value!
• Giveaway is open to all US residents.  Employees and family members of Shelf Reliance are not eligible for the contest.  Outside of the US residents are eligible at increased shipping fees/dues.
• Giveaway is open from Tuesday, September 6th through 9:00 p.m. central time, Monday, September 12th, and the winner will be announced right here on Tuesday, September 13th!
• One winner will be selected using random.org.
• Please ensure I have your blog or email address so I have a way to contact you if you win.

To enter {each entry requires a separate comment}:

• Check out Shelbi's blog and follow or subscribe to her emails, and leave a comment here that you did.
• For a second entry, "Like" Shelbi's Shelf Reliance page on Facebook, and leave a comment back here stating that you did.

How would you like to win one of THESE?!

Shelbi is running a second giveaway, which means that one of you will have the chance to score big time!  A 72" Pantry storage system!

There are two primary reasons and endless others as to why this food rotation system is a perfect addition to the household:

1. The front loading first in first out system.  You don't have can's getting lost of left behind.  You are always rotating your food!  For those who are coupon savvy or those who are into food storage already understand it can be daunting to organize your goods in a way that both maximizes space and gives convenient access to all of your foods.  Plus, it looks GOOD which is always a plus!
2. It can hold TONS of food!  280 to be exact!  All within a 2'x2' footprint!  So awesome!

Shelbi mentioned to me why storing so much food is essential for her and her family:  "For me, I have 4 main reasons to be prepared...Bryant, Cody,  Maxwell and Bentley! They are the loves of my life! I'm prepared so that come what may, job loss, economy outrage or food cut off or price spike because of natural disasters... I can say... We're good! Most of my food storage is now THRIVE foods because of the Health Benefits. My family isn't going to have to totally rearrange the way we eat just because things get tight...Freeze dried Chicken...YUP! Freeze dried Cheese...YUP! Do i have strawberries, raspberries and mangoes in my food storage? Sure do!"

So how do you win the Shelf Reliance 72" Pantry Organizer {a $360 value!}?  Email Shelbi a photo of your pantry/the perfect spot for the 72" Pantry Organizer and share why you would like to or are PREPARED.  4 Sentences or less please.  Shelbi will then pick the top 5 pantries and post them on her Facebook page.  She will then hold a vote from now through next Tuesday, September 13th at 12:00 P.M.  The photo with the most "likes" will win!

{The intent is not to pick the messiest pantry or the one in the most "need" of help.  Just your space and story are necessary, show us how you really live today and why you are striving to be more prepared for the future!  Please email Shelbi with any entry questions or requirements}

All in 1 place, ready to go Two person Survival Pack $79.10 regular price $160

Looking to get started with your Food Storage? The Starter Package Deluxe comes with 66 #10 cans of food and the Harvest 72".  Reg price $1357.59  Get it through Shelbi for $1058.99  (this order qualifies for 10% back in free food/emergency products)!!

For those of you who took advantage of the Cansolidator and Shelving special as mentioned in the sponsor shout out ...Thank you! For those of you who didn't... here's your second chance!

Cansolidators 
Cupboard {holds 20 cans} $19.49
Pantry {holds 40 cans} $21.49
Pantry Plus {holds 60 cans} $40.94
Harvest 72" $264.99

With Shelbi orders $1000+ qualify for 10% back in free food or emergency products!! And it ships with your order!


Thanks everyone and GOOD LUCK!

156 The Great Dresser Debate

I made some super budget friendly thrift finds for the future studio this weekend!  I am so giddy excited I couldn't wait to show you!

This dresser was a great score on Craigslist for $40!

Aside from a small blemish on the top, it has great details and is a solid piece of furniture!  I am planning on using the dresser for mega amounts of concealed storage.  Everything from Silhouette vinyl to scrapbook supplies to printing paper!

And this giant ornate frame from Salvation Army... wait for it... $10!!!

I think I am most excited about this find.  It reminds me of the frames shown in yesterday's Labor Day organizing post from Ballard Designs, but without the $300 price tag!  Yip to the yay my friends; I am feeling some greatness in my near future!

Not seeing it?  Paint aplenty will be happening very soon.  The frame is getting sprayed white and some pretty colorful fabric will be added inside for a pin board.  The dresser... that's where I need your help!  {here is a reminder of the wall color and some room progress so far}:

I was instinctively going to paint it out white.  Then, maybe spray the drawer pulls a fun color to bring in more dimension to the future space.  However, the more I thought about it, white bulletin board frame, white future desk built in, white white white....

White never fails though, it's safe and I know I would love it and be able to bring color into the space in so many other ways, like a great rug, lighting, accessories, etc... Here are a couple of inspirational white dressers to keep me on the white train:

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

But to push my comfort zone and do something a little CRAZY, what about yellow?!

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

I kind of love!  And gray blue paired with yellow?  Does it get any more fun than that?!

Then again, there is always turquoise and pink to consider too?

{1, 2}

What's a girl to do?

I need your help!  I want to get started on it this week, but I thought you could help me decide one way or the other which would be the best choice.  Because right now I am totally split 50/50 on white and yellow decision!

10 Items IHeart: Labor of Love

Happy Labor Day!  I hope you are all able to take a moment from your busy lives and enjoy a little R&R!

In honor of the given holiday, I thought it would be fun to compile some items iheart to keep us organized and happy in the workplace!

Drum roll please...

 1.  Everyone should have some cush for your tush.  A good comfy office chair is a must when sitting at a desk for many hours!

2.  There are endless options out there when looking for desktop organization.  But how can I not totally swoon over this Boon Stash Organizer?  It's meant for baby items, but I envision it being placed desktop for wrangling usb cords, pens and paperclips!

3.  I love the idea of adding a giant memo board in any workspace.  It's great for leaving yourself notes, reminders, pinning up current projects etc... Although I gush over this Ballard Designs version, I say save some moola and use it for DIY inspiration!

4.  Every work space comes with papers, and nothing corrals them better than these super handy filing boxes!  They easily tuck away anywhere or look great out on a shelf!

5.  If you are anything like me, it's important to set new goals each day to stay on task.  This printable daily goals task list PDF is the perfect way to keep a list of items you wish to tackle for the day, meetings you need to attend and voice-mails you would like to return.  {anyone see the shameless plug here?}

6.  These insulated lunch sacks are your best lunch buddy, saving you money from eating out each day and keeping your food chilled to boot! 

7.  We've got your bottom covered, but what about those priceless, beautiful eyes of yours?  Task lighting is essential in any work space to ensure that you aren't straining your lookers and is also proven to increase overall productivity!  

8.  Whether you are a stay at home mom or a 9-5 office gal, a daily planner is key in keeping important dates, appointments, activities and deadlines in check!

9.  Many of us are commuters, and keeping the automobile organized each day is just as important as keeping the workspace organized.  I totally dig this over the seat option that can keep everything in one place vs. rolling all over the car and to the pit of never to be seen again....

10.  This zig zag techy case also comes in a laptop sleeve as well!  Love the colorful pattern, and the fact that it is perfect for protecting those valuable electronics we use for work each and every day!

Since we are on the topic, what is your favorite item for staying organized in the workplace?

Pssst.... I wasn't paid or perked by any of the companies mentioned above, I just thought it would be fun to honor the holiday and find great workplace organizers that I would personally pick to stay organized!