Moving & Renovations Martha Carol Stewart Moving & Renovations Martha Carol Stewart

Unpacking After A Move

Hey, guess what? I had this awesome chat with my good friend Laurie Palau, you know, the amazing host of This Organized Life Podcast and the brains behind Simply B Organized. We dove deep into the topic of unpacking after a move, and let me tell you, I spilled some simple tips that anyone can totally use! You seriously can't afford to miss this episode!

Hey, guess what? I had this awesome chat with my good friend Laurie Palau, you know, the amazing host of This Organized Life Podcast and the brains behind Simply B Organized. We dove deep into the topic of unpacking after a move, and let me tell you, I spilled some simple tips that anyone can totally use! You seriously can't afford to miss this episode!

Contemplating a DIY Move? Grab My Free Moving Checklist Below!

Need Help With Your Next Move?


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Southern Living Martha Carol Stewart Southern Living Martha Carol Stewart

Stocking the Southern Bar

We host lots of large family gatherings, and we advise keeping it simple. Here are a few tips on what you should have on hand.

We host lots of large family gatherings, and we advise keeping it simple.

Here are a few tips on what you should have on hand:

The Basics

Your basic liquors etc. to have on hand are:

  • Bourbon

  • Gin

  • Light rum

  • Vodka

  • Tequila

  • White wine

  • Red wine

  • Craft beers

Mixers and garnish:

  • Club soda

  • Tonic water

  • Coke

  • Diet coke

  • Sprite (or fresca)

  • Lemons

  • Limes

  • Olives

“Fancier” Setup

If you want to step it up a notch, add a few more varieties of liquor and wines:

  • Elderflower liquor

  • Grand Marnier

  • Irish Whiskey

  • Scotch

  • Whiskey

  • Kahlua

  • Brandy

  • Prosecco

  • Champagne

Mixers and garnish:

  • Ginger beer

  • Flavored sparkling waters

  • Simple syrup

  • Bitters

  • Stuffed olives

  • Candied dried oranges

  • Berries

  • Mint

Mocktail Bar

Mocktails are the new cocktails! For a nonalcoholic bar:

  • Non-alcoholic beer

  • Non-alcoholic wine

  • Bitters

  • Alcohol-free spirits

  • Club soda

  • Simple syrup

  • Fruits of your choice

And there you have it, all of our best tips for stocking the bar!

Let us know what your must-haves are for stocking the bar.

And, just for fun, here is one of our favorite bars we’ve organized:

Does your bar need organizing?


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Kids, Summer Martha Carol Stewart Kids, Summer Martha Carol Stewart

Essentials for Road Trips with Kids

Going on vacation can be such a fun and enjoyable experience, but if you don't prepare ahead of time it can be totally miserable. So, how do you prepare? What do you do? Here are some essential items to have on hand in the car while on a roadtrip.

Going on vacation can be such a fun and enjoyable experience, but if you don't prepare ahead of time, it can be totally miserable. So, how do you prepare? What do you do?

Here are some essential items to have on hand in the car while on a road trip:

  1. First Aid Kit: For obvious reasons, but also because band aids have the power to make everything better! Lol

  2. Toothpaste and toothbrush or Mouthwash: After hours in the car, you may want to freshen up.

  3. Trash Bags: Trash bags are always good to have, but especially when eating on the go, and especially with children.

  4. Diaper Disposal Bags: If you’re traveling with little ones in diapers, you will definitely want some diaper trash bags that can be tied up to keep the smell contained.

  5. Water: Always keep water on hand both for just staying hydrated and in case of emergency.

  6. Rag Towels: Old rags or towels are great for cleaning up spills in the car.

  7. Hand Wipes: Having some sort of hand wipes or sanitizer is definitely a must.

  8. Toilet Paper: For those with toddlers and young kids, traveling with a kids portable potty is a great idea for when they have to go NOW and you’re nowhere near a restroom (or the restroom is just too nasty). So, toilet paper is definitely necessary for the kids, but you also never know when a public restroom may be out of toilet paper as well.

  9. Snacks: You definitely need snacks to keep the grumpies away.

  10. Toys/Prizes: Go to the dollar store or target dollar spot and purchase small toys and prizes for the kids. Keep them in a bin and dole them out every few hours to keep the kids happy.

That’s all!

Keep these items stored in a latch bin so you are both organized and can have peace of mind knowing that as things get shifted around on the car ride they will stay put.

Now go have a fantastic road trip with your family!

Need some direction on how to organize your home this Summer?

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Summer, Southern Living Martha Carol Stewart Summer, Southern Living Martha Carol Stewart

Summertime Staples

We’ve organized a lot of homes over the years and have come to find that many people seem to have the same “summer staples”. These are items that are easily packed and unpacked from your vehicle as well as readily available to haul and use around your home for casual get togethers. Here is a list of our “summer staples”.

During the summer with longer daylight hours, there is so much more time to spend outdoors. Whether it’s at the pool, going to the beach, or having a backyard BBQ!

We’ve organized a lot of homes over the years and have come to find that many people seem to have the same “summer staples”. These are items that are easily packed and unpacked from your vehicle as well as readily available to haul and use around your home for casual get togethers.

Here is a list of our “summer staples”:

  • Ice Chest

  • Table & Chairs (preferably portable)

  • Tents

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug Repellent (spray and citronella candles)

  • Beach/Pool Towels

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Beach/Pool Bag

  • Portable Dog Bowl

Designate a section of your garage or storage room to store all these items, keeping smaller items in a labeled latch bin to make the packing and unpacking less demanding. You can even get your family involved in the process making attending and hosting events a breeze!

Now go out and ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!

Desperate for your kids’ rooms and playroom to be functional? Summer is a great time to organize kids’ spaces while they are at home and out of school. We can work with them to create routines and establish good habits in preparation for the school year!


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Notes from Martha-Carol, Stress Solutions Martha Carol Stewart Notes from Martha-Carol, Stress Solutions Martha Carol Stewart

Organizing Outdoor Events: Hosting the Perfect Summer Gathering at Home

Summer is the ideal season for hosting memorable outdoor gatherings in the comfort of your own home. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy patio, organizing a perfect summer gathering requires careful planning and attention to detail. Read more about these essential tips and ideas to help you host the ultimate outdoor event right at your doorstep.

Summer is the ideal season for hosting memorable outdoor gatherings in the comfort of your own home. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy patio, organizing a perfect summer gathering requires careful planning and attention to detail. Read more about these essential tips and ideas to help you host the ultimate outdoor event right at your doorstep.

1. Prepare Your Outdoor Space 

Transform your outdoor area into a welcoming and functional space for your guests. Clean and declutter the area, mow the lawn, and trim any overgrown plants. Set up comfortable seating arrangements, such as patio furniture or cozy lounge areas, to encourage conversation and relaxation.

2. Plan the Menu 

Craft a menu that complements the summer season. Consider incorporating fresh and light dishes such as grilled vegetables, fruit skewers, and chilled salads. Prepare a variety of refreshing beverages, including homemade lemonade or signature summer cocktails. Accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure all guests are catered to.

3. Create an Inviting Ambiance 

Enhance the atmosphere of your outdoor gathering with carefully chosen decor. Set the mood with string lights, lanterns, or candles for a warm and cozy ambiance. Use colorful table linens, floral centerpieces, and vibrant outdoor cushions to add pops of summer hues and create an inviting space for your guests.

4. Provide Entertainment and Activities 

Keep your guests entertained with a range of activities suitable for outdoor enjoyment. Set up a DIY photo booth area with props for fun and memorable snapshots. Organize classic lawn games like bocce ball, croquet, or a friendly game of volleyball. Consider hiring a live musician or creating a customized playlist to keep the energy high throughout the event.


5. Plan for Comfort 

Ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the gathering by considering their needs. Provide ample shade with umbrellas, sunshades, or a canopy. Set up a designated cooling station with refreshing drinks and fans. Offer bug repellents, sunscreen, and cozy blankets for when the sun goes down.


Hosting a perfect summer gathering at home allows you to create lasting memories with your loved ones. By preparing your outdoor space, planning a delicious menu, creating an inviting ambiance, providing entertainment, and prioritizing guest comfort, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable event right in your own backyard. Embrace the joys of outdoor entertaining and savor the summer moments with family and friends.


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