The Big O - 7 Habits of Highly Organized People

It is no surprise that if you know me, you know that I like to keep organized.  Infact I've mentioned it often enough on this blog.

Now, all of that to say there are more moments than I would like to recall where I have been anything but the big O. Actually, today at work, my friend/co-worker Lisa noticed how frazzled I was with not having enough time to complete my tasks. She asked if I had made a list with which I replied, "Nope."  At home I am Tidy Tina but at work I jump from one task to another so quickly that I try to complete everything at once which results in slight mental chaos.

I was and am not having it, I was done with being overwhelmed and have decided that come Monday morning, this here Betsy will be much more organized.

 Below is a list that should be plastered on my desk at work:

7 Habits of Highly Organized People:

1. Write Things Down
2. Set Goals and Assign Deadlines
3. Find A Place For Everything
4. Put Things Back
5. Don't Procrastinate
6. Don't Allow Papers to Pile Up
7. Only Have Things You Use and/or Enjoy

One of my not so resolutions but more on the "make a better effort" list was to organize our life more efficiently. 

Thus far I have organized our pantry, "laundry room", bathroom and bedroom closets. It is an ever evolving process because we live our lives in our house. Sounds obvious but it means dishes sometimes pile up, the floor collects grubbiness from outside, and American Idol will take priority over taking the trash out. {I'm sorry, it just does sometimes.}

Regardless of your priority list, motivation to keep your items and life orderly is key.

Last night I watched a few videos by Maria Menounos, TV show host and 

author of "The EveryGirl's Guide to Life" for inspiration:

Drawer Basics:

Car Essentials:

 

Successful Office:

Travel Tips:

The next priority is my car. Don't look in my trunk or you may inflict harm on your eyes..seriously a mess.

After reading her book and watching the clip about how her boss thought that a messy car meant a messy life I decided I needed to kick my bum in gear. Gosh I love inspiration!

Click HERE to take a look at her book!

I hope this weekend finds you well, I'll talk to you soon!

xoxo bd

Oragnization & Life

The weather these past few days, or weeks rather, has been absolutely atrocious. Tornado warnings daily if not flash flood warnings as well. Our car has been giving us constant strife due to the rain and today I was stranded at the house waiting for our mechanic to help us out. This is the third time in two weeks that our car hasn't started and caused us to get it worked on. Not just jump started but full on take it to the shop or have it towed. 

I'm looking forward to the days when we have a vehicle that isn't as worn as this one. God will provide.

{Side note: We are thankful that both of us are healthy and safe. Our families are in good health, love us, not to mention we are blessed in so many other areas of life. This car thing is just an inconvenience.}

With that said, some might think that if you have no choice but to be at home your only option is to be productive. Most days that would be the case but when it is gloomy all day my energy plummets.

I was able to pack up most of our kitchen with just a few, and I mean few, items left to use.

Our guest room has become even more filled with boxes since I posted that photo over the weekend.

Infact we have a house guest tonight...Kevin! He lives over on the island and was told that due to the heavy rain fall it may flood so he's camping out in our "moving room".  I know Adam enjoys him being here...they're watching Conan during their study break right now. Cackles are coming from the living room as I type.

The reason why I wanted to write this blog in the first place was to express my obsession with organization. 

In the midst of this move our house seems to be anything but as most of our things are packed up. 

When I see pictures on blogs of how their closets are kept and magazines are filed I am filled with excitement to bring order back to our home. Granted it will be a couple of weeks but the fire's a burnin' within me!

Lately I've read a book called "The EveryGirl's Guide to Life" by Maria Menounos which has jump started this desire to organize my life. Such an easy read with helpful tools and wonderful information, you're sure to find a way to improve something!

It's time for bed so I'll talk to you soon,

Xoxo .bd

{Photo Credits: Deliciously Organized}

Mise en Place

 

"Mise en place" is a french term meaning "setting in place."

Ever since we moved into our home a little over a month ago I have made it my duty as a wife and also for our sanity to put items away in their own respective homes.
As with my linens and books I cook in the same manner.
Before I begin a meal (attempt would be more like it) I try to make sure I have all ingredients chopped, prepped and measured so everything will go as smoothly as possible. As for today before another attempt at cooking is made, I gather only the most random ingredients left in the fridge and prep. Think....concoct.....what can be made? I decided it was time for soup. Everything but the kitchen sink would go into this pot. Some chicken broth, kale, can of stewed tomatoes, 1 clove of garlic, green onion, yellow onion, ground turkey and some potatoes. I boiled all of those ingredients in hopes that it might just cure this rainy days blues.

All of my utensils have their spots as do the plates and pans but sadly my storage and pantry is pretty lacking. Honestly, we only have 4 cabinets and 4 drawers! Seeing as there's not a space for our food we've found shelving units with canvas boxes to house our kashi bars and canned green beans. After living here for a month and cooking most every night I find that my desire for different ingredients and more spacious storage has grown. I'm thinking of adding shelves above the stove for a pretty way to display mixing bowls and my favorite vintage plates.  Until those handy days are here, I will be inspired by these:

pretty shabby

                              Photo by Michel Arnaud, Good Housekeeping, July 2007. 

House Beautiful

Martha Stewart/Blueprint Magazine

Desire to Inspire

We have a larrrge bowl of granny smith apples on the counter and I do believe before they go bad I will make some sort of dessert out of them now. Pictures to follow tomorrow.
Wish me betty crocker luck, please :)
betsy.davis

{Photos at top of page credited to: Desire to Inspire