http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=106 In my first blog I focused on organizing kids only...now, after a recent move and dealing with the 9 months post move fallout I feel the need for fellowship with my moms! This blog will focus on the many needs, pitfalls and solutions that we as busy moms all need to know about to make our lives easier. I will also be addressing topics that You want to know about. If you would like to see a particular subject addressed contact me and let's figure it out together! Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:45:05 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3300 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3300 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST One of the perks of my career is seeing what happens on the other side of pushing through. I usually start with a client who is in despair, feeling very cautious about what to expect and by the end of a few days that person is more confident and at ease about letting go and living in the moment. Something I have always tried to do for my clients is to witness their collection of desires. Recognizing what they have collected and its pattern along with listening to what they value most. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3285 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3285 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST When I was in junior high school there was nothing I wanted more than to be accepted into Carver Creative Performing Arts Center or CCPAC. I applied, was accepted and began my 10th grade year feeling like an artist at the FAME school! It was probably the greatest opportunity of my life. I entered competition, had excellent accomplished instructors, met other young folks like myself and was encouraged to apply to art colleges in the southeast. I did, I applied at Savannah College of Art and ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3286 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3286 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:19:04 EST This is the last working week for me of 2010. Kids get outta school on Friday and I am done til Jan. 5th 2011. It is so nice to take a long break, visit family, but mostly take time for reflecting and make plans for 2011. This was again, a Christmas that snuck up on me. Not even sure I will be able to commit myself to getting out Christmas cards. I felt incredibly inadequate at the raising of the gingerbread houses last Friday and have let the week's adventures leave my brain like mush. I ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3279 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3279 Thu, 2 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST http://lulagraceinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/12/finishing-my-happiness-project-self.html This month I will be reflecting on an entire year of transformation. I have turned my thoughts towards the new year and have a gut feeling that 2011 will be my best yet!Having gone through what I've gone through this year I feel a complete shift in my DNA. A change of heart about having a third child, turns out I do! A change in how and who I intend to do business with in this new small town ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3230 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3230 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST My husband and I have been at odds lately over my content. My recent blog when I asked my husband his first thoughts he said, "It's good but not your best". I sensed a little frustration and after he preceded to break down two beds and swap their rooms I discovered why. I know I'm hard to live with, I fully expect that so urge him to express himself but this....let's just say I wasn't prepared. But I thought about it, I was gonna figure it out on my own. Having been a blogger ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3231 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3231 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST My husband and I have been at odds lately over my content. My recent blog when I asked my husband his first thoughts he said, "It's good but not your best". I sensed a little frustration and after he preceded to break down two beds and swap their rooms I discovered why. I know I'm hard to live with, I fully expect that so urge him to express himself but this....let's just say I wasn't prepared. But I thought about it, I was gonna figure it out on my own. Having been a blogger ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3229 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3229 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST As we wake this morning to sunshine instead of darkness I feel anticipation like never before. I have been absent a little lately from writing because I have not had a direction that felt right. I have written a few blogs, some were a little angry because I was at the time, some too personal, some made no sense at all. So I have tossed the last three and am turning the page. One thing about living in a small town, you run into your blog readers at Wal-mart or carpool quite often.You know the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3217 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3217 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:36:18 EST It takes Patience! We are just coming off a 4 day camping trip to a bluegrass festival communing with thousands of strangers. Our first vacation without children in 5 years, we were cut off from communicating via laptop or cell phone due to lack of service. So off we went to have fun and create new bonds with new friends. It is rare to find a couple you get along with much less two other people that you could stand for 4 days of primitive camping with 5000 other folks, 7 1/2 hours ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3211 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3211 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST Aaggggghh!!!! Monday morning! I sit in bed this morning contemplating the 5-6 pages I have started writing lists on in a small notebook beside my laptop. I keep thinking about what I witnessed this weekend and then flip flop to what I have ahead of me to accomplish before I leave for Arkansas Wednesday. I have to get some of this out of my head and onto the page. I feel a little anxious at the knew knowledge I have now. I am in fresh from our communityfs Fall RefresHER Christian Womenfs ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3207 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3207 Thu, 7 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST Through out my years as an organizer and business owner I have had many women approach me for advice. When I lived in Montgomery I was fortunate enough to have an intern twice a year through the Interior Decorating program at Auburn University of Montgomery where I still teach. Interns had to spend approximately 20 hours with me. You get to know someone pretty quick. I was always amazed at how many questions they had and how they were hoping someone would tell them the secret to success. I had ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3195 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3195 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Why don'ft you write yourself? I am riddled with too many things that take my focus. I am, like most of my clients, easily distractible. I compound that by saying guh-huh I can do thath or offering advice that gets me involved in the action quite often. I am not complaining, because I truly enjoy doing lots of different things but when they all come due in the same 3 week period I thinkcgare you serious?h. This week will be one of those weekscmany different threads of tasks, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3191 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3191 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Having a little trouble this week reposting from Facebook. Please visit this week's blog at www.lulagraceinteriors.blogspot.com . ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3185 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3185 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST It has been such a change gears kind of day! Feeding the horses, on what was an awesome morning weather wise, at the barn. Then I had to finish up writing for a radio show this afternoon, I ran for a follow up mammogram and then to the station for the one hour show. Looks like I will be making another appearance week after next to discuss listeners questions and talk about dressing up bedrooms and bathrooms for guests. Dinner out with the family and home for the season premiere of Parenthood. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3181 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3181 Thu, 9 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Enjoy Now! Labor Day weekend we went on a little family trip 3 hours south to see my folks and then another 2hr drive to spend the day at the beach. Saturday the whole family was to come and spend the day. I come from a family whose siblings are widely set apart and so various stages of our lives have always overlapped. Like my middle sister just sent her son to college and is now an empty nester, my niece just had a baby 6 months ago so there is a little new person in our ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3176 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3176 Thu, 2 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Recently my youngest started Kindergarten and I was a little lost for a week or two. Bayne and I made a plan 5 yrs ago and we had arrived at the doorstep of our goal's front door. We made it! In 2005 I made a decision to walk away from a high stress job for a demanding corporation. I existed for as long as I could in that environment until I could take no more of it. The abuse that goes on sometimes in cubbie hell is astonishing. I remember being in the ladies room one morning pregnant with ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3164 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3164 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST So, I assume from the title some of you are ROFL saying "Melissa, WHAT free time?" Yea, yea, me too a few years ago, but I sat down for the first time this week since having my boys 7 yrs ago and realized I in deed have free time, furthermore, I've always had free time! But, did I make the most of it? After taking baby steps all these years with a long term goal and a husband in agreement we seemed to have reached it. We had a 5 yr plan after Owen was born, I would stay at home with him ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3155 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3155 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST As some of you know I have been a certified therapeutic riding instructor for the last few years and am proud to be a part of a wonderful program. This past weekend I attended a conference for our region. One course I attended was titled "putting your best hoof forward" and was about preparing your horse for show. During that class our expert explained that some people actually trim their horses eyelashes back…which is bad, because their eyelashes allow them to be aware of approaching danger. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3143 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3143 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST This past week my husband started going out on the road more. Hotel business centers are less than tolerable, so I agreed to let him take my laptop. Now, this is a major thing for me! For the better part of one year I know I have been on one so many times during my day it is sad to look at it closely. Maybe 14 hours? Not ALL at once, but added up throughout the day, yes likely. With two evenings to read, catch up with my boys, go through magazines in the house…I realized I had more time to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3135 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3135 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST As I type this morning the sun is coming in so warm through the window. It makes it feel out here on the porch like autumn is somewhere in the air. This summer has been a transformative summer for sure. With one child beginning 2 nd grade and the other kindergarten it is obvious I have had little ones for a while. Coming to terms with the fact we have no babies anymore has been rougher than I thought. But, we must look at the bigger picture. As Bayne is getting ready to hit the road ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3109 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3109 Thu, 8 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST We made it through another July 4 th weekend. Filled with everything that is "summer-time" and what happened July 5 th ? Back to School went up on the shelves at Wal-Mart! The calendar is starting to fill, pages over the coming months throw me from a catapult back into the reality that the schedule is coming!! Will I be in a frenzy trying to pull it all together last minute this year? We have been really bad these last few weeks. Boys going to bed at 10:30 and sleeping until 9am. But ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3101 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3101 Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST I watch Housewives of New Jersey (and all the others) religiously! One week I noticed every time they would visit Caroline Manzo's pad she would have some delicious snack prepared, while wiping off counters and pouring her guests a festive beverage. Always on the ready. Now I know most of those women have housekeepers but some I think are naturally that talented. How is it they run charities, businesses, lunch with girlfriends, a game of tennis and photo shoots all while managing a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3090 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3090 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST As many of you know I had a small procedure this week and my mother was in town to help out with the kids while I recovered. But, last week I booked a 4 day project in Montgomery. My client was recovering from an injury and had to work from home for 6 weeks. While she was home she had decided to take advantage of the opportunity and de-cluttered her whole home. I was able to take a box to her, have her sort it and make decisions instead of my usual homework assignments. Having the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3064 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3064 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST Faith over Fear Written for May 26 th post During these last two weeks while I have been dealing with the ordeal of getting this biopsy I have abandoned everything else. Now waiting another two weeks until surgery on the 14th leaves me with a decision to make. Do I keep to my bed underneath the covers cancelling appointments because I just don't feel like putting on a happy face or do I get up and get moving? Well, I have to get ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3062 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3062 Thu, 3 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST Written to post originally May 21, 2010 Discouragement, Hope and Victory. Three words that I feel sum up the majority of our emotions! Throw in a little Fear and we come to a standstill. With my current situation I have for this past week pondered difficult situations I am about to face even folks from my past I have never looked forward to seeing again. Along with a strong pull to do something new, to be happier, to live longer and most importantly live according to God's Plan for ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3063 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3063 Thu, 3 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST Written to post originally May 21, 2010 Discouragement, Hope and Victory. Three words that I feel sum up the majority of our emotions! Throw in a little Fear and we come to a standstill. With my current situation I have for this past week pondered difficult situations I am about to face even folks from my past I have never looked forward to seeing again. Along with a strong pull to do something new, to be happier, to live longer and most importantly live according to God's Plan for ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3030 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3030 Thu, 13 May 2010 14:00:00 EST Summer is so right around the corner. My kids cannot wait, but most of all I cannot wait. Each year since I have owned Lulagrace I have planned my schedule around my boys. This year is my last summer before my youngest, Owen, is going to begin kindergarten. I have been one of the most blessed mothers to be able to take off the summer to spend with my children. This will be my 4 th year and after spending some time looking at my own life since our move I am ready to enjoy my home and my kids ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3023 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3023 Thu, 6 May 2010 14:00:00 EST OHHHH!! Betty Jean is on her way. My mother, Betty Jean, is and has always been my judge, my coach, my teacher, my best friend. But let me get a little out of line and buddy she's not afraid to let me know it. So what was it like growing up Betty? I was what Sandra Felton would consider a rebellious messie- mother kept the house immaculate except for my room. During the time after my sisters graduated high school and moved out of the house I had my own room. In honor of that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3024 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3024 Thu, 6 May 2010 14:00:00 EST OHHHH!! Betty Jean is on her way. My mother, Betty Jean, is and has always been my judge, my coach, my teacher, my best friend. But let me get a little out of line and buddy she's not afraid to let me know it. So what was it like growing up Betty? I was what Sandra Felton would consider a rebellious messie- mother kept the house immaculate except for my room. During the time after my sisters graduated high school and moved out of the house I had my own room. In honor of that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3012 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3012 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST n. 1. competence: the ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or effort I pursue this definition! I always try and locate where my inefficiency comes from. I mostly know, i.e. Facebook and Twitter, but if I can pinpoint it and do something to change it, I do! That's why I move furniture...all the time! Trying to find the best configuration possible. Tighter, balanced, but most of all maximizing my efficiency! Recently, my husband and I, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2967 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2967 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST Hopefully this will give you just a few creative ideas on how to reuse some of the containers you already have…be sure to always give yourself adequate storage for the quantity of materials you have to store. Too big of a container allows for various items to be thrown in as filler, thus creating another clutter problem. Too small of a container allows overflow to creep into other containers or spill into areas not intended for storage thus creating further messes to be ...