Hailey's Helpful Hints

I love this organizing trick by Martha Stewart . A pet peeve of mine is going to grab for a clean set of sheets and you can't find the matching pillowcases. So here's how to combat that - tuck the sheet set inside one of its pillowcases, and then stack according to size (twin, full, queen, king) or by the room you use the sheets in (master bedroom, guest room.) How simple is that?!

Now that the hype of new years dieting and career resolution s has died down some, it's time to focus on our overflowing closets and disorganized cabinets. I know, I know there's never a good time to conquer the clutter but think about it this way -- Your mess is inefficient. It's causing you stress and anxiety. And this dysfunction signals to your your brain that your work is never done causing you to feel overwhelmed and unorganized not just at home but in all aspects of your life. Can this stress be prevented? Absolutely!! But you have to be willing to change some old habits and work at it. Just like anything in life. If you're needing some simple tips on how to conquer the chaos, keep reading... || 10 Commandments of Organizing ||  1. Keep like with like. To keep things sensical and logical, you should always put away items with like or similar things. If they’ve put something away in a random place, you're more likely to not remember where you put th...

14" tall stainless steel mug tree; $25 Crate and Barrel.  I love re-purposing old things in new ways! Thanks to HGTV , here are three clever ways to use a mug rack or "tree" to organize some loose ends around the house. Their "branches" are perfect to hang objects.  Jewelry: No more tangles when you hang your everyday jewelry.  Original source: HGTV Scissors: All kinds of cutters can fit neatly on the pegs.  Original source:   HGTV Ribbon: Slide on the spools and you can cut off pieces as you need them.  Original source:   HGTV Other items you can hang; washi tape, rubber bands, keys. If you don't want to spend a lot, hit up your local Dollar Store. They usually have wooden ones there that you could paint to match any room in the house.

December 1st. A perfect time to set out a game plan for the chaos of the coming weeks. And by game plan, I mean start making lists. I am a total list person. I have a list of a list of a list. I find that when I am most busy though, the Any.DO app is my saving grace. It's slogan says it all - MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Reviews on the internet claim it's better than Gmail Tasks. I agree. The functionality of the Any.DO app is spot on. When a to-do pops into my head, I quickly and easily log it as a today, tomorrow, this week or later task. Under each task, you have the ability to mark the task as urgent, move it to another folder (this is great if you want to separate lists into personal, work, etc), set an alarm to alert you about it on a specified day and time, add a note to it, or forward it to someone in your contacts book as an email or Facebook message. And if you don't want to type out your list, it has voice recognition. Think driving and list making. Ahhh, that sings t...

  Helllllloooooo!!! Gosh, it's been awhile. My plans to have a "low key" summer totally backfired on me. I'm sure I'm not the only one. But it was 100% intentional to not blog (or partake in much of any social media for that matter) during our month long trip. That -  I must say - was heavenly. I'm convinced I could write a book on the effects of social media and overall well being. Totally different subject that I'm not in the mood to tackle at this time. What I do want to share with you though is this super helpful guide to make arranging your abode as easy as 1,2,3 thanks to interior designer Sabrina Soto, host of HGTV/s The High/Low Project and author of the new book Sabrina Soto Home Design . Takes all the guess work out. {3} Unless you're purposely using symmetry to create a calm, orderly environment, play around with odd numbers (3, 5, 7, etc) of vases, decorative objects or portraits on the wall. Soto states the "eye finds these groupings...

Between now and the holidays you might feel more inclined to save magazines to be inspired, discover new trends and find the latest fab products. But I have a better idea - download the no-fee Google Catalogs app to your iPad or Android tablet device and say goodbye to piles of clutter while making catalog shopping more engaging, social and creative. The Google Catalogs app features digital versions of catalogs across many popular categories, including fashion and apparel, beauty, jewelry, home, kids and gifts. They’ve partnered with a variety of top brands including Anthropologie , Bare Escentuals , Bergdorf Goodman , Bloomingdale's , Crate and Barrel , L.L. Bean , Lands’ End , Macy’s , Neiman Marcus , Nordstrom , Pottery Barn , Saks Fifth Avenue , Sephora , Sundance Catalog , Tea Collection , Urban Outfitters and Williams-Sonoma , just to name a few of the over 400 catalogs. In addition they have over 100 top brands including; Barneys , Tory Burch and Trina Turk (Fashi...

If you do one thing before you get hit with the chaos of back to school, it's this - get a laundry system in place. Now. All you need - a few white laundry baskets. The el cheapo kind. It always kills me when people spend ridiculous amounts of money on trendy organizational products. Let's be real - chevron print does not guarantee functional. I'll admit, I'm guilty. But I've learned my lesson - stick to the basics. The patterns are pretty but they usually lack the key components for ruthless efficiency. And seriously, does anyone really see them anyone?!?! Phew obviously needed to get that off my chest. Back to baskets. The key to organization is finding a place for everything and keeping everything in its place. It's always best to find a system that works best for you but here's what I propose - train all family members to put dirty clothing in baskets. Place a basket in each bedroom closet, and in each bath if space allows. Place four add...

Sick of looking at that messy set of shelves? Want to make them more of a decorative focal point rather than a hodge-podge of clutter? Fret no more - here is a design on a dime tip that will help you achieve storage and style all in one. The art of the stack: 1) Start with a few chunky books. Three or four is usually enough. If you don't already have a library of books, you can always hit up Goodwill or a secondhand bookstore to find some books with character. 2) Put the biggest books on the bottom, then stack the others like a pyramid, getting smaller at the top. 3) You have two options for positioning; lay them even with the binds flush with each other, or place them slightly askew - but never at purposeful diagonals, which looks too forced. 4) Top off your pile with an object that has a rounded shape, like a sculpture or a footed bowl. Make sure it fills enough space on the top book so it doesn't look dinky. 5) Fill the unused space on the shelf with vases, picture frames, c...

Alright Jana, this post's for you - and all the other mom's that are pulling their hair out at the sight of their kid's toys and need a toy storage solution. Jana asked: Do you have any suggestions for toy storage?   Namely, do you prefer big baskets/ toy chests, etc. that hold a lot of toys, or do you prefer smaller boxes or bins that you can use to sort based in type of toy?   I would imagine that this would lead to more work when cleaning and putting away, but may be worth it for the organization? My response: I personally prefer smaller baskets or bins sorted by type. My observation with my two boys is that if it's too messy - aka a hodge podge of random toys all thrown into one big toy chest or closet - they won't touch it. It's too overwhelming and the toys don't look nearly as inviting. While the clean up might save you time in the short term with a big chest, it will cost you more time in the long run as they are bugging you to help them dig around...

STREAMLINE YOUR MAKEUP. If your mornings are a race against the clock, give yourself an edge by corralling your toiletries in the smartest possible way. Conquering your cosmetic clutter not only will save you time, but is also the easiest way to start making your looks a priority. Once you downsize to what you actually use - and use it - you will be looking pretty in more ways than one. So to streamline your makeup, you need to separate your necessities from your nonessentials. Here's some tips how: 1) Designate a spot for your "5-minute face" - aka whatever products you use every morning to get you out the door. A drawer with dividers or a box lets you see everything you need. The goal is to not be digging around for the essentials. If you're tight on space, a makeup bag works too. Especially if you travel a lot or are on the go. 2) Part with the 10th place lipstick. The rest of your makeup (if you're the most of us) needs a serious purge. Dump what's expi...

STREAMLINE YOUR SPICE RACK. My mom always had the most disorganized spice cupboard. I am convinced it had (and probably still does) spices from the '70's. She's got at least two of everything. If not five. It's just a hodge-podge of randomness and it brings me anxiety any time I have to rummage through it. If this sounds like you, it's time to do some spring cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, spices do have a shelf life and even if you possess a perfectly organized kitchen, a twice-yearly reassessment of your seasoning situation is smart.  You'll be amazed at how much faster meal prep goes after doing this. To streamline your spices, follow these steps and you'll have it done in no time: 1) Gather all herbs and spices in one place. Empty your spice cabinets and spice racks. Grab seasonings from drawers, countertops, the fridge, or wherever else you've got them stashed. Gather everything on a clean table or countertop, so you can see what you've g...

Chore chart not cutting it? Sick of the kid's never helping around the house? Try this: Get a pack of ping pong balls. Write different chores on each ball. Each family member chooses a ball, completes the task, then chooses another one. After 30 minutes, whoever has the most balls gets a prize - like a no-chores day, or gets to pick a movie. Such a fun, interactive way to get the whole family involved without all the nagging and whining. Genius in my book.

From the kitchen to your entryway closet, fill your home with over-the-door shoe organizers without actually splurging on footwear. Designed for vertical storage, their multiple pockets make them a must-have companion for organizing an endless number of items while maximizing space. You can use the linen/fabric shoe organizers but I prefer the clear, plastic ones. You can easily see what's in each pocket and are easy to clean. They are also nice because you can see when you need to stock up on something. Eight ways to use a shoe organizer for budget-friendly, functional storage: 1) Bathroom essentials and medicines - Hang on the back of your linen closet or bathroom door. Great place for your hairdryer, flat or curling irons, toilet paper and a functional way to keep medicines up and out of the children's reach. 2) Cleaning products - Bottles, brushes, sponges, and rags all in one spot. Remember to keep the most toxic in the upper pouches to keep out of children's reach. 3)...

I hate giving just one gift. If you read my "Banging Bargains; Gifts under $25" from last Christmas you know that I love to pair 2-3 less expensive items together to make a cute package. This is another one to add to the list. One that I could personally put to good use for my million scarves that are just thrown on the top shelf of my closet. If you're looking to get creative on your mom, sister, or girlfriend I suggest you find a super cute scarf or two and package it together with this practical and inexpensive scarf hanger. What girl doesn't love being fashionably organized?!? If you google Scarf Hanger and/or Scarf Organizer you'll find a million online but I particularly like this one from the Container Store for $9.99 . Amazon also has one on sale for $7.00 right now.

CLEAN OUT YOUR PURSE. When holiday gatherings, family traditions and too many gifts make the holiday season hectic, a little organization can go a long way. So, how do you become a master of merriment without having a mid-holiday meltdown? One way; organize your purse/handbag. Don't underestimate the value of purse organization! From family dinners to holiday parties, clearing the clutter from your handbag will help you minimize chaos when you're on the go during the busy holiday season - and make room for holiday shopping receipts. Follow these tips to make keeping your handbag organized a cinch; What should I have in my handbag? A wallet or a small pouch for currency, credit cards and identification are “musts” for every handbag. Many women choose to carry a small cosmetic pouch for touch-ups on the go. You’ll want a place for your mobile phone, sunglasses and/or reading glasses. It’s also a good idea to carry supplies such as medication, bandages, tissues and antibacterial w...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a single color is worth a choice few. Just as red, yellow, and green rule the roadway, a home color-coding system can bring order to your living space wordlessly, providing information at a glance without a miscellany of labels. Put hues to work, whether you are organizing papers, preparing food, or outfitting your entryway. With these bright additions, your living space will be far from drab - and far easier to manage. Below are just a few places in your home where you could really benefit from a color coding system: ~Welcome Center~ Keeping clutter at bay starts the moment you walk through the door. A coordinated sorting station, with one color assigned to each family member, anchors household activities and the entryway's decor. Squares of Homasote fiberboard become vibrant pin boards when covered with linen fabric, which is secured with staples at the back. Personalized bins, made with linen-wrapped fiberboard that is slipped inside acryl...

Similar to my "New Uses for Old Things" section, I thought this idea deserved some love. How crafty is this? Shutters for paper organization. Yet another brilliant idea from Martha Stewart. This particular trio hangs on the wall over a hallway console but you could do this in your office or area in kitchen. Their louvers are a perfect (not to mention plentiful) spot to tuck invitations, display artwork, or hang a message pad. Here is the link for the tutorial on how to make and hang this awesome idea. I personally would just go buy the finished shutters at Home Depot or Lowes, have your hubby put a little hook on the back and hang. What a great project for him this weekend right?!?! ;)

I was recently asked by a friend of mine what we do with old bills. I can't take credit for Dave's 3-ringer binder system but it's very effective in keeping paper organized. Unfortunately I don't have time right now to go into detail on how this system works but I think with any organizational project it's important to weed out the bad before you do anything good. The same principle applies when packing to move - don't waste time packing stuff that you know doesn't have a place in the new house. Toss (or donate) beforehand. With that being said, any good organizational project requires time to figure out if you really need it. So the big question is; what do you save and what do you shred? Keep for 1 month: Credit card receipts Sales receipts for minor purchases Withdrawal and deposit slips - Toss after you have checked them against your monthly statement Keep for 1 year: Paycheck stubs Monthly bank, credit card, mutual fund, brokerage and retirement account...

Are you tired of nagging your kids about chores - and hearing the same lame excuses? I'm not quite there yet but you better believe my kid's will have jobs to earn their keep around the house. I came across this magnetic job chart from Martha Stewart and although it takes some crafting, it seems relatively easy to keeps track of who has done what. The entire thing is designed on a computer, then printed on ink jet magnet sheets (found at your local craft store), which are thin and easy to cut. What I like most about this particular chart is you have the flexibility to change the child's chore each week without having to make a new chart. Job Chart How-To: Design colored rectangles with the names of chores typed inside them. If you like, color-code magnets according to level of difficulty or frequency (every day, once a week, and so on). Kids' photos can be scanned in or downloaded from a digital camera. Assemble chore names and photos on one computer page, then print on...

CLEAN OUT YOUR 'SPECIALTY' UTENSIL DRAWER. Not your regular utensil drawer, with forks, spoons, and butter knives. Unless that of course is a disaster too. I’m talking about my serving spoons, whisks, measuring cups, you name it. If yours is anything like mine, it's out of control! Do you know you use 20% of your utensils 80% of the time? And most likely you waste 90% of the time digging trying to find the one you are looking for because you have just a hodge-podge of thrown-all-in-one drawer miscellaneous utensils. I can almost guarantee that your drawer fits under one - if not all three - of the scenarios below: 1) You can't find anything. Okay, maybe some things, like those items that were just used, washed and placed on top the pile, but where was that black serving spoon we used to have? Or the whisk? 2) Even if you could see what you wanted, it's not always easy to remove. Take the rolling pin for example. You might have it neatly organized on the side of the...