Houston Organizer // Client Bad Ass Mama: Kitchen Organization

With this client we slowly worked through most of the house and the kitchen was a big undertaking. We did not purge a ton of items because she wanted to keep most everything. She had a ton of overflow, so we tried to make it fit the best we could and I think it worked pretty well! 

1. We sorted.
2. Grouped like items together 
3. Organized using what she already had. 

After:

Before:

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Client West U Mama: Toy Closet Organization Before and After

About a year ago we helped this client turn their toy closet into a functional space. We added some new product that they had bought and then also used product that they already had in order to keep most toys in here. 

1. I sorted all the items.
2. Contained them.
3. Organized. 
4. Labeled. I hand did the labels and the client chose to keep them like that at the time. 

You can find some similar products used on this project here:

Iris containers

Shoeboxes

Mesh drawer units

Metal bin

Mesh baskets

Fun Eco Activity for Kiddos Part 2

I am not sure if you remember from a while, but we included a fun eco activity for kids thanks to education.com and we are at it again for earth month 2019. "Incorporate some awareness for your young learners with this Earth day word search. For more fun and engaging educational activities, go to Education.com!" It's always great to have something fun and educational for kids to do. This is a great way to teach them about the importance of earth day today and always. 

Here is the word search legend:

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NAPO Conference Packing List: What I am Packing for the Conference This Year

I am headed to the NAPO Conference today and am super excited to see all of my professional organizing friends from Houston and beyond, meet new ones, and learn lots from all of the classes. Here is a glimpse of what I am packing on the trip. If you know me personally and have been following on here for a long time you know that I am passionate about eco products, but sometimes I like non-eco products or use things because of recommendations, gifts, etc. I am many shades of "green", but I will be sharing some of my favorite eco products below as well. 

Here is a similar duffle bag that I have had for years and LOVE. I noticed that my exact one is no longer on their website, but they still have the leather version. 

Packing cubes that I used. 

***sorry not sure why the pictures came out so blurry this time.

Toothbrush: necessity. 

Toothpaste: necessity.

Living Proof humidity shield: my brother gave this to me for Christmas and I like is so far. Houston humidity is no joke. 

Lulu Organics dry shampoo: I have been using this for years and really like it.

Sunday Riley C.E.O.: I was given this as a gift and really like it so far.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser: I LOVE this cleanser and have been using it for years.

Tata Harper Floral Essence: I like this as a little refresh.

Say YES to Cotton face wipes: I saw, I think, Donna Karen rave about these in a magazine and really like that they are not scented and feel great.

Venus travel razor: I love this compact razor with the case.

Ursa Major Deodorant: I just got this natural deodorant not long ago. I have tried SOOO many. So far I like it.

Travel floss picks: I saw these at the store and liked that it came in a little case.

Wet mini hairbrush: necessity.

Hair ties: I really like these hair ties that were recommended by a friend. 

Cotton Swabs: necessity. 

Shower cap: because I don't wash by hair everyday.

La Roche-Posay ultralight sunscreen: I just starting using this because 2 of my clients that are doctors both recommended it. 

For the purse

Hand wipes: I really like the ones in the link, but this was convenient when I was at the store.

Aesop hand sanitizer: I like to have hand sanitizer around when I travel in case I need it.

Tide stick: for those pesky stains and since I am wearing white pants and jeans I have a feeling I may need it.

Thieves spray: this is great to use to spray down things in the hotel room.

Lysol spray: same as above. 

Band-aids: just in case.

Band-aid friction stick: perfect in case I need it from all of the walking I will be doing. 

Doterra orange essential oil: I use this as a hand sanitizer at times.

Avene spray: I like to use rose spray because it is so refreshing and this is the same refreshing feeling. 

Wellness and "Just in Case" bag

Elderberry vitamins: to help fight illness.

Multivitamin: because I need to take my vitamins.

Doterra On Guard pills: to help with illness.

Candle: because sometimes hotel rooms can be stinky.

The Laundress crease release: to help with wrinkles in my clothes.

Mini lint roller: just in case I need it.

Emergen-C: to help me not get sick.

Drip Drop: to help me with hydration and just in case I get a hangover from all of the celebration going on ;)

Advil: because sometimes I get hunger headaches and same as above.

Electronics needed

Bose headphones: I had wired Bose earbuds before and love these wireless ones as well.

External charger: in case my phone needs extra juice.

iPhone charger: because I have an iPhone. 

Earplugs: this is my first time having a roommate, so just in case I need them. Love ya Michelle!

Notebook for ALL the notes I will be taking.

Thank you cards in case I need to send some.

Stamps. Same as above.

Business cards because you hand them out a ton.

Sharpie that writes on glossy business cards. Thanks Ann for the tip!

Snacks just in case I get hungry. I mean, I really like to snack. I like to use reusable bags like these to store my snacks. 

Clothes. This is one of my favorite JCrew tops. Of course have to represent my Astros!

Shawl because it gets cold in the conference rooms. 

Tennis shoes to work out in.

Casuals shoes that are comfortable to walk all over in.

Boots because the president's party is western themed. 

Swimsuit because the hotel has an indoor pool and you never know if you might want to go for a swim. 

Jewelry. I got this jewelry pouch years ago and really like it because I don't where a ton of jewelry. 

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Spring Cleaning: Items you Forget to Clean Pt. 4

It is spring time and here are some things we commonly forget to clean. You can check out posts from years past here, here & here.

• Door frames
• Pet supplies
• Under and behind the toilet
• Sink plug
• Dryer vents
• Shower drain
• Legs of furniture
• Coffee maker
• Garbage disposal
• Sunglasses
• Garage door opener
• Key fobs

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

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NAPO Conference Packing Tips: From NAPO Houston Members

Next week a whole bunch of Houston professional organizers are headed to the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) conference in Fort Worth, TX. We have about 30 or so Houston members and business partners going and this may be the largest amount to have gone because it is only a 4 or so hour drive from Houston to Fort Worth. A whole bunch of us are super excited. I personally can't wait to catch up with colleagues, meet new people, learn and have fun! Will you be there? Here are some tips from our members on what you should bring:

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: "Comfortable shoes!....lots of walking going on there!"

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: 
"-a pen or marker that writes on shiny business cards. 
-a sweater or large scarf for the cold rooms
-reusable water bottle (remember Pittsburgh with the dixie cups?)
-small snacks if you are a snacker" 

Naomi Kealy of Charming Spaces: "I was planning to bring business cards, a notebook and pencil, and probably my phone charger."

Susan Wade of Sunflower Strategies: "Highlighter for handouts, rubber band for all the biz cards you'll be getting, 2 binder clips in case your room faces East and the drapes don't close all the way (past experience) lol, ribbon or something to tie or clip or your conference bag since they are all the same"

Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Sweater or shawl. It’s cold in there"

Michelle Smithpeter of Pretty Practical Spaces: "I appreciate all the tips! It is my first NAPO Conference.

I will bring my own tote bag to haul the daily take + session prep materials."

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "A notebook for all your notes or print out the session handouts to write on as they do not give you copies. And a reusable cup or water bottle as mentioned above. Never leave without a sweater or light weight jacket...it is freezing. Since we are mostly driving lots of snacks and your favorite adult beverage!"

Tiffany Mensing of Space and Serenity: "Tissues for when they talk about the community partner 😭"

Gayle Goddard of The Clutter Fairy: "My favorite conference helper is an office supply - a clear, pleated, zippered pouch. I use it to capture all my receipts while I'm there, plus all the business cards I get from organizers and vendors both. There's always some coupon from a vendor or small info sheet to keep track of - it's the perfect way to capture all the little papers you need when you get home!"

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "I agree with everyone else, but also want to add. Bring cash for tipping if you go out or need it unexpectedly, medicine / vitamins to stay in tip top shape like emergen C, multivitamin, etc., swimsuit if the hotel has a pool or hot tub, portable charger, if you are driving or bring in wine or beer, don't forget the opener ;), and the list goes on..... "

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Photo by Studio 7042 from Pexels

A Houston Professional Organizer / Concierge's Fave Product PT 1

Do you have favorite product? I have so many and will need to start featuring more on here. 

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