How to Set Up Your Command Center
Why do we need a command center? Having a space that houses the “important” information/materials saves us TIME which means less stress! Here are some of the key elements to a functional command center.
What is a Command Center?
A Command Center is a space in your home that serves as a central space to keep schedules, keys, purses, backpacks, incoming papers, and/or important information.
Why do we need a command center?
Having a space that houses the “important” information/materials saves us TIME which means less stress!
What are the key elements to a functional command center?
Calendar-paper or white board (Cozi is a favorite family calendar App)
Place for incoming and outgoing papers, mail/shredder is great here too.
Designated space for personal paperwork. This might be a file, drawer, basket.
Place for notes/invitations-HINT-put invitation information into calendar app. Once the gift is bought, you can toss the invitation.
Magnet board/white board/bulletin board. We found this one that can be both!
Place for keys, sunglasses, purse, wallet and anything else needing to go out the door with you in the am.
Pens, pencil, stamps, calculator or any supplies needed to make this space function best.
Where should it be?
Hint: Notice where you set things down when you walk in the door. It should be located near that space (kitchen, laundry, inside a cabinet, entryway table).
Show us your Command Centers! We want to see!
We would love to see pictures of your command centers. Use the hashtag #chaosorganizing when you post the picture.
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How to Put Together a Vacation Capsule Wardrobe
After months of quarantining in our homes, are you ready for that favorite summer getaway? It’s needed even more so this year. I am truly tired of my own home and I LOVE my home. Let’s get you ready to GO! Alexandra Martin from Hemline Towne Center Boutique joined us on our Facebook live and showed us how to put together a capsule wardrobe for vacation. Read on to discover all her fabulous tips!
After months of quarantining in our homes, are you ready for that favorite summer getaway? It’s needed even more so this year. I am truly tired of my own home and I LOVE my home. Let’s get you ready to GO!
“Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. This idea was popularized by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.” -Wikipedia
Alexandra Martin from Hemline Towne Center Boutique joined us on our Facebook live and showed us how to put together a capsule wardrobe for vacation. Read on to discover all her fabulous tips!
5 reasons why a capsule wardrobe is great. (for vacation and in regular ‘ol life)
• You use items you already have
• Just a few new on trend items changes your look.
• Mixing and matching classic pieces creates hundreds of different looks with just a few items.
• Invest in the basics by buying high quality items that last longer. Some can be worn year-round.
• Accessories take up less space in a suitcase or closet but can make an outfit go from day to night.
Items you need: video items from Hemline are in parentheses.
• Short sleeve top- focus on things that can be styled a variety of ways. (Layered or worn with different bottoms)
• White short sleeve top (White eyelet)- Elevate your typical tee with a white top that can be worn with shorts and sneakers during the day or dressed up with wedges and jeans in the evening.
• Light weight blouse (Tie dye pink)- this could be a fun summer color. A blouse can be trendy but also last long after summer is gone. You want to choose one that mixes and matches with the shorts and jeans that you are bringing. This is definitely an investment piece that can be worn over and over.
• Classic cotton tee- laid back, easy to throw on with shorts, leggings or jeans and a pair of sneakers or flip-flops.
• 2-3 Shorts (High waist, tie front)- keep it simple. Neutral color.
• Jeans (white skinny jeans)- white jeans in the summer look great with any top! Very versatile.
• T-shirt dress (Short black)- you can’t go wrong with this one. Easy one and done look. Comfortable and flowy. Can be worn with a variety of accessories for various times of day.
• Button front dress (Striped tie waist dress)- effortless and easy. Perfect for date night or “off duty.” Can be versatile by varying shoes (Sandals, white sneakers, or classic wedges).
• 3 shoes. Yes, I just typed that. Seriously. You can do it. I’m not sure I can. white sneakers (quick slip on for shopping time!), neutral sandal/flip-flop (beach to pool or even lunch), nude wedge or block heel (jeans, shorts or dress. Elevates your look).
• Hat- Martha-Carol added this one because she loves hats!
That’s it. Now throw in your swimsuit, towel, hair and makeup stuff and off you go! Enjoy! Don’t forget the sunscreen!
To see the video in full, click here.
Need help paring down your closet to the essentials? Let us help you! Call us at 225-205-6400.
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Cheers! Cocktails and Spring Cleaning with Chaos Organizing
Cheers! We are so glad you could join us. We hope you and your family are staying safe during this quarantine. How are your routines going? Mine went well for the 1st two weeks then Spring Break happened and it all went to hell in a hand basket. Trying to get back on schedule. Are any of you organizing and cleaning out spaces during this quarantine? Here are some of my Spring organizing tips!
Cheers!
We are so glad you could join us. We hope you and your family are staying safe during this quarantine.
Did you happen to see our Facebook live at my Bourbon Bar? Here is the link to the recipe for the Bourbon Smash.
How are your routines going? Mine went well for the 1st two weeks then Spring Break happened and it all went to hell in a hand basket. Trying to get back on schedule. Adjustments had to be made. The biggest adjustment for us was time. With a house full of college students, we are staying up later and sleeping in more than I have in years.
Meal planning is a must because of ordering groceries via Shipt. We only shop for meat and fruit because my husband does not trust other people to do that for us. Between my garden and my friends organic garden, we don’t need to buy much.
Spring Organizing
Are any of you organizing and cleaning out spaces during this quarantine? I started on my attic but haven’t finished that just yet. Totally procrastinating. I’ve been spending as much time outside as possible since the weather is so nice. My yard and garden are beautiful…I’ll get back to the attic…eventually.
Here are some of my Spring Organizing Tips:
When cleaning, put all cleaners in a bin or bucket that you can easily carry around. Don’t forget appliances, shower doors, air vents, baseboards or fronts of cabinets.
Go ahead and use all the left over paper goods from past parties so you don’t have to store them!
Toss magazines from the Fall or Winter.
Toss junk mail and flyers.
Check coats/jackets. Do they need cleaning?
Switch Fall/Winter clothes to Spring/Summer clothes if you need to.
Pack winter sweaters in sealed containers with cedar chips or blocks.
Check your boots. Do they need cleaning, polishing? Do they need to be stored in the top of your closet so your flip-flops and sandals have the prime real-estate spot?
Check your linens. Is it time to refresh, get new?
Check your towels (Beach towels included). Any holes or tears? Do they need replacing?
Do you need sunscreen or mosquito repellent? Check the expiration dates.
Clean and organize your garden tools. Here’s the link.
Make a list and order items needed for Spring projects. Does your house need washing? Do your windows need cleaning from the outside? I will be painting fences this year!
Clean or replace patio furniture cushions.
Power wash or hose your outdoor rugs.
Wipe down outside surfaces.
If you are cleaning out old towels-dog shelters and vets can use them.
Old baby blankets, burp clothes and bibs can help make masks for nurses. Message me about where to donate in Baton Rouge.
Want a more detailed Spring cleaning?
Check out our Spring cleaning guide
Make sure you are following us on Facebook, as we are going live in different areas around my house. Tonight at 7pm CST, we will be live in my closet making a Mojito Mocktail! (For those of us that need a little break from the alcohol or don’t drink!) You can see it on our Facebook page if you miss it.
Don’t forget Mothers day is coming! Gift certificates available.
If you are quarantined and needing a little advice, a Virtual Organizing Session is just what you need.
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Spring Newsletter 2020
Our hearts go out to those who are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Springtime is normally full of family celebrations, crawfish boils, graduations, and fun. We are right there with you missing all of our friends, family, and our normal way of life! We thank those of you continuing to support small, local businesses via gift certificates, online shopping, drive through services, or virtual sessions. Thank you. We are here to support you in any way we can! We will get through this TOGETHER! Stay home and STAY SAFE!
Spring Newsletter
Our hearts go out to those who are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Springtime is normally full of family celebrations, crawfish boils, graduations, and fun. We are right there with you missing all of our friends, family, and our normal way of life! We thank those of you continuing to support small, local businesses via gift certificates, online shopping, drive through services, or virtual sessions. Thank you. We are here to support you in any way we can! We will get through this TOGETHER! Stay home and STAY SAFE!
It's Chaos Organizing's 7th Birthday!!!
"No one will ever PAY someone to come into their private spaces and see their mess." "My wife wouldn't NEED that service!" These were quotes from 2 successful businessmen who I went to for advice before setting off on this new adventure. Neither had the vision that in our busy world of duel career families with busy kids running in a thousand directions, that having an organized closet, pantry or any other space in one's home would bring a sense of calm to the proverbial storm of life. Neither of them understood that chaos and clutter add to your stress and unhappiness, therefore leaving your home as a to-do list instead of a place of peace and respite. They didn't see a path of success. For a brief moment, I felt the wind go out of my sails. Then I looked at my husband and said, "I'm doing it anyway." and he looked back and said, "How can I help you?"
I've discovered that I'm apparently pretty stubborn lol. (My mother also apparently knew this about me and I'm sure she is laughing hysterically as I am now discovering my daughter has the same trait!) You see, I wasn't looking at my organizing from a business perspective. I was looking at organizing as a way to HELP people that are struggling just as I did at one point. Juggling a life with kids, a husband and a career is HARD and I had a gift that could help others enjoy their home. It wasn't always easy. When I felt overwhelmed, I had my sisters and mother showing me a path that I could now share with others. I don't see the mess as mess; I see it as possibility. It's a puzzle waiting to be solved. My stubbornness helps me keep that perspective. There is always a solution.
Well, here I am now with over 240 clients, countless new friends and an amazing team of women who organize with me. To say I feel blessed is an understatement.
Thank you! Thank YOU for following along with me on this incredible journey. I hope I have been able to bring you solutions that can make your life a little less weary and make your home a place of peace.
Due to the quarantine, we are not working in homes, but we can help via our virtual organizing sessions. As a thank you, we are offering a COVID-19 Special. See below for details.
Are you a "Do it yourself" kind of person? Are you bored during this quarantine and want to tackle some small projects around your home? Is there an area that has been driving you crazy but you don't know where to start? Virtual organizing might just be the right thing for you!
For $25 you receive:
5-10 minutes of consulting about your space. We ask a lot of questions so we can put together a plan that will work for you.
A written step-by-step plan with links to products we recommend for your space.
20-25 minutes of one-on-one coaching with a professional organizer to review your individualized plan.
Access to our "Chit Chat with Chaos Organizing" Facebook group where only our clients and organizers can ask questions, offer solutions and talk organizing!
This special discounted pricing will only go on as long as we are quarantined!
Chaos Kids
Easter Activity ideas
Hide and Seek the eggs
Pin the tail on the bunny
Draw a picture for the Easter Bunny
Bunny hop races
Easter Egg letter hunt-Hide letters in the eggs
Sort or match the plastic Easter eggs. (Sort by size or color. Match the colors)
Scavenger hunt
Egg and spoon races
Egg toss
Check Pinterest for Printables or other activities.
Card games
Easter books
Water guns or water play
Don't forget to take pictures! Have a Happy Easter!
Refer a Friend, Get a Discount!
Like us? Don't be stingy! Share us with a friend. When they book their organizing session, you get $50 off of yours!
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Coping with and Surviving the Coronavirus Quarantine
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
Hi Friends,
I’m hoping you all are doing well and staying safely quarantined. My heart is with those of you away from home and helping our community. I know many of you have it tough right now! Thank you!
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well! We have fallen into nice routines and everyone has been so respectful and helpful. They are learning all kinds of new skills as my husband is getting all of his “to-do“ list done with their help.
We are calling this Camp Corona-The Stewart Version!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
• Set a routine. Consistency and routines help ease stress. The events may not happen at the exact time, but your goal should be to keep them in the same order. Predictability is comforting to children (and adults!) and may help us get some things done!
• Set up a workplace and homework place. This should be a quiet space with ONLY the tools that you need for work or homework. I moved my home office to my bedroom so that my office could be set up as a virtual classroom (If you are watching my live video’s on Monday’s at 10am, you already know this!). So far, it’s working!
• Create a cleaning schedule. Having everyone home 24/7 and not having housekeepers come (if you have them) during this quarantine time may have you drowning in “to-do’s” which can be exhausting. First, breathe, the neighbors aren’t stopping by anytime soon. Second, creating a list of chores and who is responsible for them may help alleviate some of the stress. If you have small children that means you (and any other adults) are getting the burden of all of the chores. As a former stay at home mom, I remember that stress clearly and want you to know you are not alone. So many parents are feeling the same way. Having a cleaning schedule for yourself may be key to keeping some order to your home and some of the stress at bay. An example of the one I created for the crew staying at my house is attached to this email. If you need help creating one, call me and let me help you!
• Rotate the toys. Your children do not need access to ALL of the toys right now. By rotating them weekly, it allows you to bring out something new and exciting when they get bored. If there is a toy that makes you absolutely crazy, it may be time to secretly put that in the donate box. (If they see it, it will instantly become their FAVORITE!)
Also, try new methods of entertainment for your kids. Have a friend or family member that’s not with you virtually read a book to your children so you can get the dishwasher loaded. Get creative!
• Get outside. If you can, go play in the yard. Not only is the fresh air and sunshine great at brightening your mood, they aren’t inside destroying your freshly cleaned house (lol).
• Be flexible. The best plans may work on paper and not in real life. THAT’S OK! Hold your theoretical ideas of what your day will look like loosely and find freedom in flexibility. There is grace for yourself and others when things don’t go as planned.
We hope these tips help keep your chaos under control. If you’re feeling like there’s more chaos than you can manage on your own, 30-minute virtual organizing sessions are available for $25 if that would help you.
Call us: 225-205-6400 Let us know if we can help you in any way!
Thank you
I truly appreciate all of my clients who have understood about rescheduling their appointments. Thank you so much for being flexible. My business is small, and we will certainly be affected during this time. By rescheduling, you are helping us keep our doors open and recover from this loss. THANK YOU!
LensArt Photography by Tobi Gomez • The Front Porch Project BR
Did you Know?
• Coffee with Martha-Carol is live on Facebook! Join us on Monday’s at 10am to answer your organizing questions or just to take a break from the people in your home!
• Virtual organizing sessions are now available. 30-minute sessions for $25. These will come with a written plan for your space including product recommendations. Call Now! 225-205-6400
• We were on WAFB this week. Watch Here!
• The Purple Cow Decluttering Challenge 2020 is still going strong on Facebook. We are in the kitchen this week! Here’s the link
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