use it

{ a word on half used bottles. if you're anything like me, you can't stand the half used bottles of product that line your shower. it drives me bonkers! i can't even explain the satisfaction i get from using every last drop of shampoo, and the difficulty i have throwing out something that's still half full- torment!

tips to help avoid your shower being taken over by product:

1. i never buy something that i already have- only one bottle of body scrub necessary, even if the perspective product smells like coconut and the packaging is 'oh so beautiful!' i can always pick it up when i'm done with my old bottle.

2. buy shampoo and conditioner in complimentary amounts- i tend to go through shampoo faster than conditioner? {i know it's usually the opposite for most women} so, i buy two bottles of shampoo and one conditioner, or if i still have plenty of conditioner left, i'll just buy a new shampoo. your shampoo and conditioner don't have to be the same, plus, mixing it up a bit helps avoid product build-up.

3. use product for multiple purposes- so you've had that bottle of facial scrub for quite a while- use it to start exfoliating your knees, elbows, and feet. that 3/4 full shampoo that just isn't going anywhere- use it to shave your legs. repurposing product works great.

pic via clinique

clutter tip

{ i know it's been said a million times, but a tried-&-true tip to reduce clutter is to keep a container handy for donation items. i keep a big, sturdy basket in an accessible spot, so that as i come across things that i either don't need or want anymore, i can just toss them in. when the basket is full, i drop its contents off at my local donation center.

as you start your spring cleaning, it's a good idea to grab 3 containers and mark one as 'keep,' one as 'toss' {or donate}, and one as 'not sure.' as you move from room to room, reevaluate all of your clutter and sort accordingly. you'll feel lighter, be more efficient, and feel more relaxed as your environment becomes less jumbled.

de-cluttering ideas:
organized home
real simple

pics:
1. cb2
2. the container store
3. mamas & papas
4. ikea

pocket change

{ piggy banks are so sweet. the right one can be soothing to look at and also add a little organization around the laundry room. i keep a darling little bank next to my washer and dryer. that way, as i sort through all of our pants pockets, i have a handy place to drop loose change. when the bank is full, i can run out and buy a new mascara and a latte....thanks oinkster!

picture above via morphorm
view more cute banks and where to get them on my other blog: wake's ripple

function

{ part of the excitement in organizing is finding new uses for things that you already have. don't get me wrong, i love nothing more than buying a set of beautiful, matching containers from ikea, but the ever growing environmentalist in me, makes me repurpose as much as possible. i love to save old tea tins and use them for pencils, coins, or my collection of wine corks. there's something exquisite about opening my desk drawer and seeing my beautiful tins all in a row :)

real simple magazine is one of my all time favorite sources for finding new uses for old things. they're full of great ideas- see above.

- using a clip as a money holder

-rubber bands around hangers so your straps don't slip- genius- but where do i get those darling elastics?

-coat rack as a jewelry holder

-color coding keys with nail polish

-toilet paper roll to organize cords

-paper file for cookie sheets and cutting boards- i bet some would even fit in your cupboards nicely

-tissue box for plastic bags

-clip attached to stove top for easy reading of recipes- you could use a magnet on the clip so it could be removable

-laundry bag in dish washer so you can keep small lids etc from falling to the bottom

thanks real simple for your never ending ideas.
pic via real simple

order

{ i'm an organizer- through and through. i love cleaning out my desk drawers, filing away documents, sorting all my do-dads. i can spend hours in the office supply aisle looking at paper clips. one of my favorite stores is staples! i've embraced my need for organization- it can't be bad if i enjoy it so much- right? :) if you're a fellow organizer, this blog is for you. i'd love to hear your ideas and methods........for a more organized tomorrow.....

pic via apple of ipod socks