I don't think any of us can disagree that, for the most part, we are a society of abundance.  We take a lot for granted when it comes to our possessions.  We use something and then throw it away.

Have you ever considered reusing something for another purpose?  If not, I have some ideas I have gathered which I would like to share with you.

From the kitchen:

Colander - create a luminaria by placing tealights or votives inside a metal version.  (You don't want to melt the plastic ones!)

Milk carton - keep breakables in tact when you move.  Wrap up your small delicate pieces with bubble wrap and then slid them into their own containers.  (A juice carton works just as well.)

Wine cork - organize your jewelry by poking your stud earrings into a cork and toss it in your travel bag.

From the bathroom:

Antacid tablets - clean your toilet by dropping in two dissolving antacid tablets like Alka-Seltzer into the bowl, wait 20 minutes and then brush.

Cotton swabs - keep your phone charged by using a swab dipped in alcohol to clean the battery contacts on your cell phone, laptop or cordless phone.

Bath mat - when replacing your mat in your bathroom, take the older one and protect your car seats in your car from muddy paws.  The rubber bottom will help the mat stay put on the seat.  No more doggy footprints!

From the bedroom:

Pillow case - use it to store the rest of the set of bed linens so they are kept together in one place and easy to grab when changing your linens.

Tie rack - use it to keep dish towels and pot holders within reach on your kitchen wall or magnetize it and put in on the side of your fridge.  

Plastic pocket shoe organizer - store your art supplies such as paints, pens, brushes, scissors and more.

From the laundry room:

Empty bottles of bleach - use two bottles filled with sand as dumbells in your home gym.

Clothes pins - use them to support vines and climbing plants in your garden by making sure the stems pass through the holes in the center so as not to damage then.

Wire hanger - remove static cling.  Run the long side of the hanger over a skirts or between your skirts and pantyhose or slip.

Try out these ideas and let me know what you think.  Come up with other ideas and let us know what they are.

If you need any assistance with getting organized, feel free to contact me at A Better Space.  I will be more than happy to help.

Wishing you an organized week!

When the earthquake in Haiti occurred earlier this week, it affected us all on some level.  Whether it's because we have friends or family that live or work there, viewing the terrible tragedy and feeling so helpless or even putting things into perspective. 

For me, it was the last two.  I felt a terrible feeling of helplessness.  I wanted to do something to help out but didn't know what it should or coud be.  (I have since made a monetary donation since that is what is needed most.) 

However, another aspect to this tragedy is putting things into perspective. You realize that these people lost their loved ones and everything they ever owned and now have nothing but the clothes on their backs.

We are a society of abundance and when a tragedy such as this occurs, it makes it even more evident as to how much we have and how much we take for granted.  This type of situation sometimes makes us think about what the simple, basic things are that we need to live. 

This week, take a moment or two to think about all that you have in comparison to others and see if you can find some things in your home that you really no longer need or want (I know you can!) and donate them to those less fortunate who will find them much more valuable then you do.

And while you are at it, make a monetary donation to help those who are now suffering so greatly.  Even a small donation will make a big difference.  Open up your heart and your wallet and help those in need in Haiti today!

How to Contribute
The American Red Cross

The United Way

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

Thank you!

Now that we have put away the holiday decorations, it's time to focus on some of those New Years resolutions.

A common resolution is to organize your crafts.  You enjoy all your crafts but they are stored haphazardly throughout your home.  They are in the family room, they are on the dining room table, they are all over the floor in the basement, they are in a pile on the kitchen counter.

It's time to get it together and get them organized!

Here are some suggestions to make your craft place A Better Space:

If you find that you are taking too much time to find the necessary materials and it's affecting your craft-making abilities, it's time to focus your creative energy towards a designated craft room.  Keeping your craft supplies organized will save you lots of time - more time to create, less time to locate what you need.

Whether you're into card making, scrap booking or any other type of craft, you'll have more time for the things you love when they are organized.

First rule is to keep all of your supplies and materials in one area of your home, and stick to it! Look around your home. 

Select a space that will provide you with sufficient storage space, space to work and, if need be, the ability to watch of your child as you work.  Why not designate a space in the playroom?  This will keep both of you busy!

If you prefer to have good lighting instead of convenience, set up an area in a well-lighted room.

Are you dealing with a small space?  Why not turn a standard closet into a craft closet, to keep things tucked away when you're not working.  Depending on the situation, you might be able to put a desk space in the closet with storage overhead to create a craft room.  If not, consider using a folding table that you can store away when not in use. 

Be sure to organize by hobby. When you have multiple hobbies (and a lot of creative people do), keep things separated. You can use a different shelf, drawer and/or color-coded container for each craft.  Try to keep these different items confined to their assigned areas so they are easy to locate when needed.  Make sure to put things back in their designated space when finished working on them at the end of the day to keep them organized and distinquished from other craft projects.

Designate a general space in your craft area for items you tend to use in every project - like scissors, glue guns and tape.  Store these items in an easy to access area, such as in a drawer or in a box on a shelf over your work space.

Think vertically.  Look up!  Look down!  Utilize all of the available space, without overrunning the home with craft supplies.  Think about using wall space for vertical shelving, over door space with clear shoe organizers to hold various supplies and even storage under a bed or table. (If it's visible, use a decorative container.)  You will be amazed at how much room you can create for your crafts.  Be creative!

If you want to be mobile, think about using on-the-go storage. A rolling cart will give you the flexibility to take your creative works with you.  Be sure to select a portable container that can organize your projects and supplies by compartmentalizing them.

Use your imagination to create a place where you can maximize your potential without the distraction of clutter and most importantly, ENJOY!

If you need any assistance with this or any other type of organization, please feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy help.

Have a great week! 

Well, I don't know about you, but I have no idea where last year went! 

I must admit that most of my resolutions for 2009 were achieved.  How about you?

If not, it's that time of year to re-evaluate and set new resolutions for 2010. 

Don't make it too complicated.  Keeping it simple will guarantee better success.

One of the topics I will be discussing in my upcoming "Living A More Organized Life" coaching program for busy moms involves just that - how to set goals, plan the steps to get there and actually achieve them.

If this is something you need some guidance with, I recommend that you sign up for my coaching program.  If you know of anyone else who might be interested in this program, let them know. 

I will be covering various topics throughout the year in four separate sessions scheduled for January, April, July and October.  It's done over the phone so you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to participate.

Visit my special web page at www.4abetterspace.com/coaching for more information.

The program starts on January 12th so don't miss out!  Don't be one of those busy moms who misses the opportunity to learn how to "Live A More Organized Life!

Then, next year at this time, you will be able to look back and say that your New Years resolutions for 2010 were achieved too!

HERE'S TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND ORGANIZED NEW YEAR!

I can't wait to share another year with you showing you ways to get and stay organized.