7 Ways to Use Gold, Acrylic Organizing Containers

When I first saw these gold and acrylic containers, as a professional organizer, I knew clients would love them. They have been a hit so far with many.  If you are local in Houston, you can find them at The Container Store. Below are various ways they can be used. How would you use them?

For business cards.

For coin wrappers.

For new and used ink cartridges.

For stationery.

For pens. 

For post-it notes.

For washi tape.

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#GivingTuesday Houston

Hey! Today is #GivingTuesday. For those who don't know, it is a global day of giving.  It happens on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. For the past several years I have tried to gather toys for MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital. This year has been the best year yet. YAY!!!

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Shop Small Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday. Today we are going to our favorite tree farm that we go to every year, Holiday Acres,  to cut down our Christmas tree. Are you shopping small and local today?

Photo: Le Zu Photography

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you are having a very happy Thanksgiving! We are spending time with family and eating lots of food.

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2016 Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

HP Sprocket Pocket Printer: My mother in law recently received this and absolutely loved it. It prints mini pictures that are sticky on the back and makes it easy to stick them anywhere. Perfect for scrapbooking.

Cord Keeper: I was browsing on Amazon and came upon the cord keeper and knew it would be perfect for some people on my list.

Domino Book: If you love Domino magazine and their other book, I'm sure this will be a hit.

Spoonk Acupressure: I think this is so cool and have given it as a gift in the past.

John Frida Hot Air Brush: I absolutely love this air brush. I have had it for several years and it can often times give your hair that salon quality look.

Yellow Submarine Lego: This is what I am hoping to get for Christmas!

Tata Harper: I have been a long time fan of Tata Harper and absolutely love this cleanser.

Cast Iron Skillet: If you are a cook, than a cast iron skillet is a must in my book.

Hamilton CD: Theater fans are geeking out over this cd. You bound to get hooked on the lyrics.

Swurfer: How freaking fun would this be?!

Stationery: For the letter writing fan who has a potty mouth. That would be me.

Waterproof Speaker: This speaker is amazing! It is small, but puts off so much sound. Plus, it is waterproof perfect for river floating, camping, by the pool, etc.

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2016 Gift Guide: For Him

Good Clean Fun Book: My husband showed me this book and thought it would be great for guys who love to build things.

Stanley Products: Stanley products are always a hit every time we give them to someone because

Beer Foamer: I thought this was a unique idea and different that you will not see everywhere. I got this for my husband for his birthday along with some other things.

French Press: Everyone I know who has a french press loves it!

Compass Cufflinks: These are fun and unique cufflinks.

Pocket Watch: For the men who don't like to wear watches.

Foam Roller: This is great if you have back issues. My husband loves it and I really enjoy it and often use it in yoga.

Nintendo NES: I know a couple of people who would love to use this. Including my self because I LOVE Pac-Man.

Projector: We have had this projector for a little over a year now and it is always a hit when we have outdoor movie night.

Photo Album: Whether it is album full of photos or a book I have made via Snapfish, this is always a hit with my dad. He loves memories more than just random things.

Franklin BBQ Book: My husband absolutely loves this book. Plus, if you are ever in Austin, TX go check out Franklin BBQ it is soooo good.

Jack Black Products: I know several men who love this beard lube by Jack Black. It is always a hit when we give it as a present.

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2016 Gift Guide: Gifts that Give Back

GlassyBaby: I have had GlassyBaby products and have been giving them as gifts for many, many years. They are absolutely beautiful.

Noonday Collection: Items from Noonday are largely created by women in developing countries and Noonday gives back to various communities and helps empower women.

FEED Projects: I have been a long time fan of FEED products and love their mission that each purchase benefits various causes.

Toms Shoes: Besides super comfy shoes, Toms gives a pair of shoes away to someone in need for each pair of shoes you buy.

Hibiscus Linens: It is no secret that I love Hibiscus Linens. I love their give back collection that they have.

Houston Zoo: Adopt an animal at the Houston Zoo. It is great to give back in the community.

Marie Mae: Each item purchased equals one hour of training in their business school, which is provided to businesses in emerging markets.

FashionABLE: There mission is to purchase items from those in poverty and helping their businesses grow.

The Ethical Silk Company: These eye masks are cute and a portion of the proceeds benefit Jeevan Jyothi AIDS Centre in Theni.

Harry's: These razor's have become popular in the last year or so and 1% of the proceeds benefit City Year's New York chapter.

All Across Africa: These baskets are beautiful. Items are made by artisans usually in rural Africa and AAA helps educate, connects producers and external markets, and helps provide a means of income for the artisans.

One Hope Wine: Besides being good wine, each purchase supports a different organization or cause. Feel good drinking the wine ;)

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2016 Gift Guide: Made in the USA

Hibiscus Linens: Hibiscus Linens is a local company here in Houston that makes amazing handmade linens. Mariana, the owner, is amazing and wonderful for to work with if you are in a pinch.

Biscuit Home: I love this local Houston store. They have great bed linens and other goodies inside of their store. I love that their bed linens are made in the USA.

Hedley & Bennett: I bought one of these aprons for my husband a couple of years ago and it is super durable and they come in so many different colors. Plus, you can be them for the littles in your life.

J.W. Hulme: I love J.W. Hulme. They are investment pieces, but are so worth it and have durable products.

Manready Mercantile: Manready is another local Houston store and is my go to for all things manly.

Clare Vivier: I have been a long time fan of Clare Vivier and have given these jewelry pouches several times as gifts. Plus, they monogram them for free.

Sinfull Bakery: Sinfull has some awesome baked goods that I can't get enough of. I love the everything bars and love to put them in the fridge. They are super filling and the perfect on the go snack.

Rifle Paper Co.: Rifle Paper has grown so much since I first started buying their products and I LOVE their stationary. A Rifle gift card is sure to be a hit this holiday season.

Briggs True: Briggs True has some great seasoning and sauces that you should check out.

Pain Train Salsa: Pain Train Salsa is local based in Tomball, TX and they have some awesome green salsa that my husband and I love.

Milk + Honey: I love these natural products and they are made in Austin, TX.

Homemade Gin Kit: If you are a gin lover or know one this could be a perfect gift.

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Houston and Surrounding Areas Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets in Houston and Surrounding Areas

Urban Harvest: Eastside

Saturdays 8am -12pm

3000 Richmond

Houston, TX 77098

http://urbanharvest.org/farmersmarkets

Urban Harvest: City Hall

Wednesday September 14th - December 21st

11am - 1:30pm

901 Bagby

Houston, TX 77002

http://urbanharvest.org/farmersmarkets

Rice University Farmers Market

Tuesdays 3:30 -6:30pm

5600 Greenbriar

Houston, TX 77005

http://dining.rice.edu/farmers-market/

Finca Tres Robles Farm Stand

Wednesdays 2-6pm & Saturdays 9am - 1pm

257 N. Greenwood 

Houston, TX 77011

http://www.smallplaces.org/markets/

Westchase District Farmers Market

10503 Westheimer Rd. 

Houston, TX 77042

http://westchasedistrict.com/index.php/farmers-market/

East End Market

Sundays 10am -2pm

2800 Navigation Blvd

Houston, TX77003

http://eastendhouston.com/market/

Camino Farmers Market

Open Daily 6am - 8pm

2520 Airline Dr.

Houston, TX 77009

http://www.caninoproduce.com

Farmers Market on Grand Parkway

Saturdays 8am - 12pm

1225 W. Grand Pkwy S

Katy, TX 77494

http://www.farmersmarketongrandparkway.com

Tomball Farmers Market

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

205 W. Main 

Tomball, TX 77375

http://www.tomballfarmersmarket.org

Woodlands Farmers Market

Saturdays 8am - 12pm

7 Switchbud Pl

The Woodlands, TX 77380

http://www.grogansmillvillage.com/fm_about.htm

Clear Lake Shores Farmers Market

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

1020 Marina Bay Dr.

Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565

https://www.facebook.com/CLSFarmersMarket/

What are some of your favorite farmers markets in Houston and surrounding areas?  Are there any that I didn't mention?

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7 Ways to Have & Show More Gratitude

There are so many ways to have and show gratitude. Being grateful for the small things and really looking at things in a different way is something that I try to do. I am in no way perfect and am always improving myself, but I try really hard to be grateful, even when I am not necessarily feeling it at the time.

• Keep a Gratitude Journal. Last year and this year I started writing down things that I am grateful for. I am not perfect at always writing things down that I am grateful, but try hard because it makes me see and think of what I am really grateful for. There is so much to be grateful for. 
• Look for the Silver Linings When There are Challenges. Man, this is really hard to do. Overall, you will be a happier person if you look at the positive in things instead of the negatives. As a Houston concierge and personal assistant things can go wrong and you have to look at the silver linings and figure out different solutions to problems. 
• Volunteer. Volunteering is one of the most gratifying things because you can make such a big difference. I have volunteered for decades and absolutely love it. If I could I would volunteer all my time with various organizations. There are so many organizations in Houston that you can volunteer for. I have volunteered personally and providing my professional organizing services to many different organizations throughout Houston.
• Spend More Time Doing Things You Love. You can find so much gratitude and joy doing the things you love. Spend more time with family and let them know you love them. Spend more time on that hobby you love because it makes you happy. 
• Thank You Notes. I try to write thank you notes often. I am so appreciative when someone does something nice for my husband and I or gives us something. So go tell that person you are thankful! Even if you don't write them a handwritten letter, email or call them and tell them.
• Give Back. Not just by volunteering, but give back in other ways as well. Tell someone you appreciate them, take in your neighbors trash can, pick up that clothing item off the floor in the store, do random acts of kindness, etc. etc. There are so many ways to give back, you just have to figure out what works best for you. 
• Email Random People. I know this sounds weird at first, but this is something that I have been doing this past year. I will email people and tell them I like what they are doing. There is a person on Tumblr I have been following for years and love her photos and the snippets she says about her family, so I emailed to tell her I love her photos and the positivity she exudes. There is a made in Texas article in Texas Monthly that I love, so I emailed to tell them that I enjoyed it. The list goes on and on. Surprisingly, most of the time the people will respond. Even with people you think are out of touch and don't expect to reply, they usually will reply. 

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Made in the USA : Hibiscus Linens

I can't believe I have not written about Hibiscus Linens before, but I absolutely love these linens and most are made right here in Houston. Mariana, the owner, does many by hand and also has an awesome give back collection like the ones pictured above. She is a gem as well and sweet as can be. Plus, she has helped me when I have been in a bind with clients who need gifts. With the holidays coming up I think these are the perfect linens to give as gifts or to have around your dinner table. The baby items are so cute as well and I have been giving them to friends who have been having kiddos lately. She also offers classes, which you learn so much in. 

I have given these as gifts on many occasions and they are always a big hit. 

Do you have any Hibiscus Linens items?

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Gift Idea: The Useful Book

Have any of you read this book yet? It really is useful and full of all kinds of random things from understanding laundry symbols to how to unclog a drain to how to make a pot of coffee. I highly recommend it and think it would make a great gift for someone who is getting their own place, student going off to college or just for anyone. Since the holidays are upon us you may want to do a little shopping early......

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How to Get Organized for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away so now is great time to start planning for it if you haven't already started.

• Create a Thanksgiving binder. This binder will hold everything you need from to-do list to meal plans. There are all kinds of checklist that you can search for online that will give you time lines of Thanksgiving prepping. I am not going to reinvent the wheel this year ;) and figured you could just do a quick search. 
• Write a to-do list. Make a list of everything you need to do this includes what you are cooking, linens you will be using, dishes you will be using, decorations, guests, gratitude notes, games, etc.
• Declutter. If there are dishes or decorations you have been hanging onto for years and you no longer have a use for or you just don't like them. Donate them. Decluttering will help you feel less stressed.
• Meal Plan. Plan what you will be serving and what dishes guests will be bringing.
• Create a grocery and liquor store list. Make a list of everything you will need from the grocery and liquor store, this includes food, flowers, beer, etc.
• Schedule to clean your house or hire a house cleaner. Get it on the books at least 2-3 days before guests arrive that way you won't stress too much about it.
• Order your turkey and buy non perishable items. Try to get items ahead of time that you know you can get especially canned or frozen items.
• Plan to finish 2 days before Thanksgiving. Obviously you will not have all of your cooking out of the way, but plan to wrap most everything up on by the Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving. This will give you ample time to think about all of the things you may have forgotten about. Make sure to set the table ahead of time as well.
• Label. Set out all serving dishes about of time and label what will be going in them. Make labels for the meals if you want guests to know what is in them. Make name tags. 
• Plan for to -go containers. I love these Reynolds Heat & Eat containers, which are in a blog post coming up. 
• Accept help. If you someone sees that you are overwhelmed and offers to help you, accept it! It will be a relief in so many ways. 
• Relax. Go get reflexology, pedicure, a massage or something to help you relax. 

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