Wednesday Wellness::The Great Purge Urge

December 17, 2014 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Photography, Systems & Techniques, Wellness & Mindset

For the past month, maybe 6 weeks even, I’ve had this very strong desire to purge things. I’ve come to recognize this “Great Purge Urge” and I seize the opportunity when it strikes!

When I’m in this Mindset, I know I will act with certainty in decision making and get a lot more accomplished in a short amount of time then if I just pick away at the process little by little.

Sometimes this urge just comes out of the blue, maybe it’s an astrological event or some other outside influence I’m unaware of but I don’t generally care why it’s happening.

What I know from experience is that getting started, making quick choices and continuing eagerly creates momentum.

This type of action and the momentum generated can be LIFE CHANGING! It’s for this exact reason that I work the way I do, in 3 hr (or longer) time slots and with appointments scheduled frequently (multiple days in a week or month).

Things get DONE, progress happens quickly, SPACE EMERGES where there was none.

I know I’ve got the bug, do you? If it strikes and you would like some help, get in touch and let’s schedule some time so I can help you to get started!

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Another Fun DIY Organizing

December 5, 2014 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Organizing Projects

I’m testing out a few new ideas for the blog and I love a good DIY project. I’m always coming across great stuff on Pinterest and various blogs but I rarely share them. Today I couldn’t resist sharing a couple really FUN DIY organizing projects that may (or may not) help you stay organized. These may not be the most practical projects but that’s not the point here, this is about FUN folks, it’s FRIDAY!

Check out this ADVENTURE TRUCK! This is totally great and even if you didn’t keep a bed in the back of your truck you could adapt this idea for tool storage or whatever! There are complete instructions for this project over at Handimania.

And one more for you today…because I know I am constantly looking for a good place to store my pets!

The Coffee Table Pet Bed is the perfect place! Instructions HERE.

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What I Could do Without this Holiday…the Un-Gift Guide

December 3, 2014 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Tips & Resources

I’d would be lying if I said I love Christmas. I don’t, I didn’t grow up with it, it’s not a tradition I feel strongly connected to for family, cultural or spiritual reasons. I could easily skip MOST of Christmas and be quite content but I play along…at least a little.

Things I LOVE about the season are expressions of gratitude, thoughtful generosity, great food, beautiful festive decorations and the time spent with family and friends.

Here’s my Un-Gift Guide, things I could do without this holiday season. Maybe you can too?

Gift Cards/Certificates to big box stores. It doesn’t take much effort to do a little online searching and give local gift certificates!
Cards-and no offense especially cards of families/kids/pets-I love you but I can see your photo’s on Facebook anytime I like now! Though, I admit, the humorous ones lift my spirit!
Gag or silly gifts-especially if there is even the remote affiliation with “As seen on TV”.
“White Elephant” or other gift swap’s and parties-I’ll probably come because I want to see you! And trust me, if I participate…it’s definitely something I’m regifting (sorry!).
Anything that could remotely be considered clutter-stuff that NONE of us really need (see above-especially “As seen on TV items).

When gifting, please consider giving Experiences such as gift certificates for services at favorite restaurants, spas, classes and consumables like food, candles, beverages and personal care products such as lotions, soaps and perfumes. This probably means you need to know the person you are giving the experience to well enough to know what they like. If you’re not sure, include a gift receipt too.

Why not just ask what people want? I’m not sure why or when this became taboo but I think it’s much more generous to give someone something someone will love than to give someone clutter.

PS…I’m not Scrooge!

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A Wellness Practice of Creating Space Within

October 22, 2014 by Heather Filed Under: Home, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Systems & Techniques, Wellness & Mindset

To be driven by our appetites alone is slavery, while to obey a law that we have imposed on ourselves is freedom.– Jean-Jacques Rosseau

Last week I began a simple practice of fasting for one day of the week inspired by a conversation I had with a girlfriend I was visiting in Maine-who is an amazing cook and we had the best time cooking together! I’ve read several opinions on this subject and decided I’m simply doing this because it feels right and good for my body.

We are often a slave to our appetites so fasting one day a week is about creating a Practice to allow space for me to fill my life with other meaningful things.

Since I was away on vacation in Maine for the early part of October I did as many of you might, I over-indulged in wonderful foods, a bit too much alcohol and although I loved every nourishing, delicious bite and sip on my return flight last Tuesday night I felt full. I don’t just mean the normal fullness of a meal but so full of all the experiences, interactions, stimulus and indulgences that I wanted a day of emptiness to process everything. So I began my one day fast last week and this week it continues. I may cheat and have an apple, or some tea or coffee and it’s not about a strict detox for health purposes (that’s another subject and you can read about it here).

For me this one day a week fast is more about not being a slave to my appetite. Allowing space within so that I can process everything and digest it in a slower, more mindful manner.

One of our Feasts in Maine-Softshell Lobster, Raw oysters, fresh green beans, delicious garlic bread and a bit of southern indulgence-Squash Casserole

Do you fast or have a practice of internal-physical clearing? If so what space have you discovered or created both internally and externally?

Maybe you have noticed that I recently changed my tag line to “Cultivating Creative Space”, this is because I believe we all need to practice the art of cultivating space in our lives. This can be done in so many ways and over the course of the next year or so I plan to explore this more in depth, in my own life, with my clients and in the content I share with you here (and newsletters soon to come!).

Moving Monday Unpacked In A Day

September 1, 2014 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Organize, Organizing Projects

I’m honoring this holiday by not laboring myself, how about you? I was on the road for a last minute business trip last week that took me over 1000 miles in 3.5 days! Since I love to share projects I’ve completed, today I’m share photos (Before & After’s!) of a Quick Moving Monday Unpacked In A Day job I did about 2 weeks ago. I love how satisfying unpack jobs are, either working with the client or on my own I get to “Play House” and help them get settled into their new home!

This was a 1 person corporate executive relocation and I unpacked this 2 BR/2BA apartment in one long day. This was a tight fit and the client was told she would have a 3 BR but only a 2BR was available for now…

When I arrived the boxes were placed in the general rooms they belonged in but you just never know what you are getting into and so I always feel a mix of excitement and anxiety (not stressed and worried-just that sense of the total unknown) as I get started on a job like this…it was a tight fit to begin with.

The project went like this…

Above and Below::open plan Living Room and Kitchen/Dining area were full of boxes. This is where I started, getting the larger items and boxes out of the way first.

Everything was unpacked, lamps and accessories placed and boxes broken down/removed.

The Master Bedroom was a very tight fit with the over sized furniture (king bed set) but with ample closet and storage space all non-essentials were moved out and the room now feels bright, cheerful and relaxing.

The guest room went from awkward to comfy and cozy. I re-arranged furniture so the chair and an additional piece would fit, unpacked and made up the bed.

Kitchen, from empty cabinets to thoughtfully arranged and easy to access items in the “zone” they will be used.

I was super pleased with the results but more importantly, so was the client. Here’s what she had to say when she arrived home that night…”I just went by the apartment and you are amazing! When I got there I was completely blown away. Before you came I just wanted to cry, but after you left I felt at home. I can not believe you found a way to get all that furniture to fit and the back bedroom looks awesome. I think you have done a fantastic job in such a short time. I can’t thank you enough.”.-Terri H. (Charleston, SC 2014)

It’s always my pleasure to do my job and leave my clients feeling happy! If you ever need help with a move, keep in mind my unpacking services might just give you some peace of mind in an otherwise hectic situation!

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Wednesday Wellness::The Great Purge Urge

When I’m in this Mindset, I know I will act with certainty in decision making and get a lot more accomplished in a short amount of time then if I just pick away at the process little by little.

Another Fun DIY Organizing

What I Could do Without this Holiday…the Un-Gift Guide

A Wellness Practice of Creating Space Within

To be driven by our appetites alone is slavery, while to obey a law that we have imposed on ourselves is freedom.– Jean-Jacques Rosseau

We are often a slave to our appetites so fasting one day a week is about creating a Practice to allow space for me to fill my life with other meaningful things.

Do you fast or have a practice of internal-physical clearing? If so what space have you discovered or created both internally and externally?

Moving Monday Unpacked In A Day

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