Tip Tuesday: Eco Halloween DIY Bats || Use What You Have

In talking with some of my organizing clients we are constantly trying to think of ways to DIY decorations or use what they have in order to be more eco and still make the house look good for whatever holiday it may be. I saw an article in the Martha Stewart magazine last month and wanted to try it out. It can be made using all products that you already have. Some of my clients have done similar versions as well. Above you will see a quick time lapse video of what we did.

What you need:

• A bat template
• Black paper
• A white pencil or any writing utensil for that matter
• Glue Dots
• Scissors

Here is what I did:

1. Download a template or you can make your own.
2. Cut out the template.
3. Get 2 sheets of black paper and fold them in half. 
4. Trace the bat template along the folded crease.
5. Cut your tracings.
6. Flip the bats over so you can't see your trace lines.
7. Add a glue dot. 
8. Stick them where you want them. 

Here is some inspiration on Pinterest as well. 

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Fall 2019 Bucket List

It is finally starting to feel more like fall here in Houston today (still hot though) and I noticed I hadn't put up my fall bucket list yet. Being a professional organizer and concierge, the holidays become insane for us, so I have to be diligent about carving out some time to do the things I love. Here are some things that are on my bucket list this year. What is on your fall bucket list?

• Do more speaking engagements.
• Finish our sunroom. Remember this was my bucket list 2 years ago (eek!) Hopefully this year is my year. 
• Have every bit of my holiday presents planned for by Nov. 25th.
• Try new recipes using seasonal ingredients.
• Go to a Halloween party. I haven't been in years.
• Decorate more for Thanksgiving. This is my husband's favorite holiday. 
• Carve a pumpkin. We haven't done this in years.
• Attend a fall festival. I haven't been to one in years. 
• Order business holiday cards early. 

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Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

Austin City Limits Roundup

Anyone headed to Austin Limits Music Festival (ACL)  this year? Here are some past articles to get you prepared if you are going.

ACL Essentials
ACL Insider Tips
ACL The Eco Way

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10 Things that Make me Happy June 2019

Well I am a little late posting this, but better late than never. June was an extremely productive month. Here are 10 things that made me happy this month

1. Last minute Astros game with my dad for Father's Day
2. Spending time with my in laws for Father's Day
3. Being on the Smead podcast
4. Completed a HUGE move in project with a team of 5 organizers. The house looks amazing!
5. Completed an estate project I had been working on for years. They officially sold their house.
6. Seeing Aladdin with my mother in law and going to Warren's & Hearsay after.
7. Starting and finishing several big projects. 
8. Taking a dumpling making class.
9. Going to regular acupuncture appointments.
10. Having fun with my National Concierge Association of Greater Houston friends at Goodnight Charlie's. 

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Happy First Day of Fall : 5 Ways to Get Organized This Fall

Happy first day of Fall! Here in Houston it won't feel like fall for awhile, but as a professional organizer and concierge, we are in full fall mode over here with clients. Below are 5 ways you can get organized for fall.

Do a seasonal clothing switch. Time to put summer away and get out all of your cozy clothes.

Prep for the holidays. Get ready for the holidays by planning out your calendar for the coming months, make to do lists, and set goals you want to achieve.

Purge and donate toys. With the holidays around the corner now is the perfect time to purge those toys and donate them.

Create a routine. Get your routine under control in order to prep for hustle and bustle of the fall season. Make sure all activities are on your calendar, your kids activities, personal & work commitments, etc.

Prep for fall house maintenance. Go room by room and purge items, clean gutters, change filters, etc.

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Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

5 Back to School Productivity Tips for Students

I don't know about where you are, but here in Houston school is back in session for many districts and it is time to get organized and start the school year off right. Below are 5 productivity tips for students.

Write it down! Pen & paper is the perfect way to keep track of what you need to do and when you need to do it. Consider getting a paper calendar and a plain 'ol notebook to keep track of everything you need. Electronic is great, but with your looming to do list pen & paper is great way to visually see what you need to do and help you retain it.

Get ready the night before. Prep the night before so you start the day off right. Get your bag, clothes and lunch ready so when you wake up you have to make as few decisions as possible. This helps you start the day off not stressed and ready to learn.

Get rid of distractions. When you are studying, doing homework or trying to focus block out distractions like t.v. and your phone. Leave the t.v. off. Put apps on your phone like Moment, Cold Turkey & Self Control that prohibit you from checking social media.

Take breaks. It is not good for your mind or body to never have a break. If you are studying or focusing for an extended periods of time, get up walk around, get some water, step outside or do whatever you have to do take your mind off of something.

Take care of yourself. Remember that it is important to take care of yourself. You need to get proper sleep, exercise, eat healthy (don't load up on energy drinks) meditate or do whatever you need to do to keep your body & mind performing at its best. That's help you all around in your everyday life.

What are some productivity hacks you have for back to school?

Photo by Plush Design Studio from Pexels

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Made in the USA: Back to School Essential Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel

With school in full force here in Houston one item I see in clients homes when I am organizing and doing concierge work is all kinds of lice repellants especially, Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel. I use it as well, as a preventative because I am in so many households, businesses and public places. Plus it is made in the USA and in my opinion is a back to school essential.

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