Amye To The Rescue!

SMEAD Travel Document Organizer A Review

2011-06-14T13:14:00.004-04:00

I received this to review; Take the stress out of business and personal travel with the Travel Organizer. Great for quick, easy access to important travel documents. Three sections allow for organization of itineraries, confirmations, maps and more. The front pocket securely holds boarding passes, receipts and other small items. The poly material allows the organizer to easily slide in and out of briefcases and bags.

• Acid free, archival polypropylene
• 3 sections
• Clear poly dividers with opaque black back
• Front pocket 8-5/8” W x 4-1/4”
Wish it came with its own folder but it easily slips into a briefcase.

2011-03-10T17:57:00.003-05:00

IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS... Guest blogger Lorigami who I found on Team EcoEtsy over at Etsy wrote:

How are your organizational skills?

Keeping track of inventory and supplies in a “normal” business is never easy, but when you factor in a lot of reclaimed, recycled and one of a kind parts, it can turn into a real mess with a quickness. Since January tends to bring with it resolutions of getting organized, I thought it would be a perfect time to showcase some crafty organizing tips.

First, here’s some craft room eye candy to get you in the mood:
(now if you really want craft room envy, check out the rest of the Martha Stewart photo shoot here)

But now to the nitty-gritty:
Do you use a lot of small parts in your work? Do you have a baby? How about turning all those baby food jars into nifty hanging shelves?
tutorial on designsponge

Or create magnetic shelving by turning them on their side via shelterness

Or here’s a ready-made solution via IKEA

What about fabric storage? While many people choose open shelving,

(I also love her inspiration boards)

Here’s a really creative idea from flickr user splityarn:
She wraps her yardage around archival comic book boards and files them sideways.

I love how this crafter is using a dowel (or you could use a branch from your yard!) and some recycled cookie tins for storage:

and this crafter is using thrifted dishes and cookware for some very attractive organizing:

I love this use of thrifted clipboards as a way to keep track of inspiration and orders

For you soap makers, these wire shelves combined with some baskets make great organizing of supplies:

Are you a paper artist? Use a lot of stamps? Narrow shelves along an entry wall allow you to see all your designs without taking up much room:

I love this use of Ikea rail systems and wire baskets found on the poppytalk blog

And last, but not least, the lowly pegboard. How versatile is this?

Do you have any creative diy solutions for organizing your supplies or for keeping your inventory looking pretty? Please share them in the comments.

Thanks Lori at Lorigami for showing some really neat & organized spaces!

2010-11-10T13:24:00.017-05:00

Love the pull-out drawers in my kitchen. It makes cleaning and re-organizing so much faster!

Check back for results...

"12 Great Ways To Turn Your Clutter Into Cash"

2010-10-05T21:11:00.008-04:00

Once we've decluttered, there is always the decision as to where your items will go. A fellow organizer Daria DeCooman, "Adios Clutter!" Organizing; National City, CA sent this, and I thought I would share it with you.

The current issue of the magazine "First for women" (Oct. 18, 2010) features the article "12 genius ways to turn your clutter into cash." This article offers suggestions and advice regarding how to get rid of unwanted items and get some cash or new goods in return.

Here's a recap of the list presented in the article:

1. Recyclables: Mentions the site www.recyclebank.com which offers a program weighing recyclables and awarding in return points good at retailers

2. Sporting equipment: Mentions the site www.playitagainsports.com offering cash for up to 30% of items' resale value

3. Cosmetic containers: Mentions the facts that Estee Lauder's Origins stores accept cosmetic containers for recycling and that returning six used MAC Cosmetics containers to a MAC store leads to a free lipstick

4. Cell phones: Mentions the site www.cellforcash.com which offers cash for outdated phones

5. Video games: Mentions the site www.gamestop.com which offers credit usable at local GameStop stores

6. DVDs and CDs: Mentions the site www.secondspin.com which offers cash for disks in good condition

7. Hobby equipment: Suggests that folks looking to donate used supplies or equipment reach out to special-interest groups accessible via www.meetup.com

8. Unused gift cards: Mentions the fact that www.plasticjungle.com will buy unused gift cards with a minimum balance of $25 (per card)

9. Jewelry: Suggests visiting a reputable jeweler and mentions the site www.americangemsociety.org, where one can find names of certified jewelers

10. Electronics: Mentions the site www.gazelle.com which offers cash for electronics that power on

11. Books: Mentions www.cash4books.net which offers cash as well as free FedEx shipping labels

12. Memorabilia: Mentions www.ebaytradingassistant.com which offers information on eBay's new registered drop-off locations facilitating sale of items on eBay

We hope this helps you! We'd love for you to leave a comment if you have other places you would like to add or just want to share a thought...

30+ Great Place To Hang Your Coat

2010-09-20T12:23:00.028-04:00

(Or hat, or a stray umbrella; when you feel a little lazy)

When you walk into your home, where do you hang your coat?

I’m always tempted to throw mine on the nearest chair or doorknob.
I found some really great handmade, architect or artist designed coat hooks. Multiple hooks (for the whole family or guests when your coat closet is messy); and single coat hooks which placed together can make a multiple; or stand alone as one Some might even be perfect for your kid’s room or bathroom. I searched really hard to find hooks and racks that will also look great when nothing is on them..

And, they will help keep your life clutter free:

SAPLING RACK hand forged! steel by Azacnak on Etsy

BIRDS ON WIRE by interior and industrial designer Harry Allen for Areaware as seen on Bonluxat

Jade Barnes-Richardson HANG ON COAT RACK for Normann Copenhagen made of steel in black, white, pink or green at DESIGN PUBLIC

VAN ESCH TREE HOOKED COAT HANGER designed by: Alissia Melka - Teichroew and Jan Habraken in black as shown, silver, white or a fun lime green at
ALL MODERN.com

Atelier 552 TEAK WARDROBE in teak or with a colored coating as seen on bonluxat

Herman Miller ® Limited Edition Eames ® Select Hang-It-All ® Rack at ALL MODERN.com

or in fun colors

Herman Miller ® Eames ® Hang-It-All ® Rack at ALL MODERN. com

Marcel Sigel and Alana di Giacomo WALL BROOCH - wall mounted coat rack

Rodolphe Parente CLOACKROOM COAT HANGER in black metal or mirror-effect stainless steel seen on bonluxat

Blu Dot 2D:3D COAT RACK in red, gunmetal or white at ALL MODERN.com

SYMBOL COAT RACK in Color or Monochrome by DESU DESIGN (top:close-up of Color)

Mouse Over Main Image to Zoom In

With a shelf, the classic, ARTEK ALVAR AALTO 109 - Coat Rack - Birch Design: Alvar Aalto 1936 at FinnStyle

or handmade

Solid wood coat rack shelf also in white by Woodtech on Etsy (You probably could change the hooks to make it less rustic)

Daniele Trebbi ALONE WALL LIGHT available in a red, black or white finish. Manufacturer: Pallucco at All MODERN.com

Karim Rashid UNIKORN WALL LAMP - Coat Hooks (Singles in white or orange). Info at bonluxat

SPARKS COATHANGER by Mikko Laakkonen at Offecct

Hand screened and forged NUTSO coat rack by thecrosbie on Etsy

or hand forged metal Whimsical Wonder on Etsy

or Snow Triple Hook also on Etsy

Khodi Feiz K-LINE SMALLHANGER in orange or white lacquer or natural birch wood veneer. Manufacturer: Offecct

Thelermont Hupton WAVE HAND JOB at Hidden Art.shop

COAT CORAL handmade of steel by Azacnak on Etsy and at $19.00…

why not get three!

Individual CONCRETE WALL HOOKS by Formd on Etsy

SUCKER made of silicone to attach to glass or tile by Jan Hoekstra and Leon Ramakers in

Charcoal, Yellow, White, Purple, Blue, Green or Red at emmo home

FLAP FOLDING HOOK in glossy acrylic and chrome, also in black by Atelier 552 at Serafini

One-of-a-kind handmade wooden and metal hooks by Half Pint Salvage on Etsy

Simple and clean would be great in a row- Blomus DUO POLISHED WALL HOOK at All Modern.com

ZACK Ganzio coat hook in 2 sizes of stainless steel at All Modern.com

LIVE LAUGH LOVE Stamped Spoon Hook by JJevensen on Etsy

...Or you can do what I do and use one of the white resin C’MERE or other HAND HOOKS from unicaHOME-by Harry Allen for AREAWARE

Email me

Free Checklists at listbean

2010-08-26T21:11:00.007-04:00

If you like getting more organized, then a good checklist always helps.

Storage Wish List

2010-08-18T15:57:00.005-04:00

I always wanted one of these to sort, organize and store. Pottery Barn has this rustic collection of furniture where you can put together different option pieces (on line) to "build" what you would like.
This is what I came up with:

I love the design, but my apartment is more modern and it is only available in a rustic, yet beautiful, chestnut. I think they wanted to keep the look of vintage printer's drawers. If it came in a beautiful walnut or a light maple or burl,

I would have to have it...

Scroll down & please let me know in comments if you've seen something similar in different woods..

If you want to get my organize zing directly to your email inbox, please subscribe on the right!

I've Got A Secret...

2010-08-12T16:46:00.005-04:00

I LOVE DAFFY'S!.

And of course, I love a great sale. Who doesn't?!

Especially when I get beautiful products to help organize my life.

So, why use this clipboard?

When you can use one like this!

And, it comes with this to-do list pad!

FOR $5.32!

It says the retail price is $16, but I have seen them for up to $23.

I also found these:

I LOVE DAFFY'S! Happy organizing!

Great Scrapbook Without Scrapbooking!

2010-08-05T10:54:00.007-04:00

As shown this morning on the Today Show by my beautiful stepdaughter Liz, a great way to organize your photos with a product by Pixtorie. They create a picture story in an album for you. Finished product looks like a professional scrapbook, using simple online tools, without the guesswork of actually making it yourself.

Purge-RECYCLE-Feel Great

2010-07-29T17:09:00.020-04:00

So, donating unwanted possessions is really great, and a good form of recycling. But, I thought I should give you the NYC website for real recycling. You probably know most of this information because of the mandatory recycling laws in NYC. What you may not know, however, are the sources for difficult to recycle items, such as batteries, lighting, electronics, hazardous waste, bicycles, STYROFOAM! and even carpet. You will find this information here on another great city website.. (Bed, Bath & Beyond has a battery recycling box as you enter the store.)

What do the numbers mean on plastic recyclables?

I thought I knew. I was mistaken.

photo: Chance Agrella

So, declutter and do a great thing for the future of this beautiful earth and our precious children!

Any questions? Email me

Any comments? Please post below

Purge-DONATE-Feel Good

2010-07-28T11:44:00.006-04:00

Many of you have asked me in the past few weeks where you can donate items you no longer want or need.

There are actually countless large and small charities, non profit organizations and thrift stores across the New York Metropolitan area, that would love your old possessions. Not only is it a good way to get a tax deduction (speak with your accountant), but if you are like me, you will feel really good about someone else enjoying something you've owned, and, at the same time, helping others. Also, it is a actually a way of recycling.

However, in light of the fact that so many others also want to give away their own stuff, thrift stores and charities, in many cases, have gotten very choosy. And, even fewer will now pickup. Nevertheless, there is still an abundance of need and you can be somewhat selective.

The following are option categories:

1) Animal Shelters

2) Armed Forces, Soldiers and War Veterans

3) Arts

4) Career Aid

5) Children's Charities

6) Community Centers

7) Homeless or Refuge Shelters

8) Medical & Psychiatric

9) Religious Charities

10) Disadvantaged/Underprivileged

Where you want your possessions to go is a very personal decision.

As I said, few places can afford to pickup and even fewer will take just anything. I can help you make the decision where things should and can go and let you know who will pick up; or you can do the work yourself by going to nycservice.org

If you can deduct the donation on your taxes, you will need to get a form from the place you donate to, and fill it out as proof of donation. There is an approximate monetary valuation given by Goodwill

Again, please speak to your accountant or tax advisor before using this guideline..

Please comment to let me know if I've left out a category or if you have other suggestions for fellow readers. Thanks and happy donating!

Really Different Filing Options

2010-07-12T16:36:00.007-04:00

Tired of the same old, same old filing options?

Designer Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret in 1925 drew a very exciting filing/storage cabinet now produced & sold by Cassina (LC casiers standard) since 1978 (The 2 brown doors are where the files go)

A favorite site of mine 2modern, reconfirms my opinion that nothing ever has to be boring. Everything, no matter how mundane, can look great. They show a variety of filing cabinets that look really good, while being functional! And they are part of a desk and furniture series if you need a serious office make-over. Click onto additional images and options. There are color choices as well as letter or legal size options and one has a choice of sustainable wood.

I would somehow feel rather remiss not including Herman Miller filing systems, when I want to think great looking. Great form and great function. Birsel & Seck's Teneo award winning system is rather inspiring.

Found them on another favorite site: Cool Hunting

Unfortunately, you will have to shell out the big bucks for all of these. They are all modern, so if you are more traditional, be sure to check back when I cover some of those on a future post...

Okay. The truth is, this is just a smidgen of great looking filing systems I want to show you.

So lets just call this post: PART 1 of many!

In the meantime, if you have some modern favorites or need help with implementing any of these, please feel free to share with me on comments!

Display AND Store Children's Art in One!

2010-07-07T11:11:00.005-04:00

I love great art and I love the wonderful carefree quality of a child's art. I have four extremely : ) talented granddaughters ranging from 5 years of age down, and they love making art for their Grammye. And, I love displaying it in my home. Unfortunately, my wall space is at a premium.

My daughter-in-law Maggie found this brilliant product I'd like to share with you and my stepdaughter reviewed them on her site Cool Mom Picks in April If you like a simple hard edged matted frame, with choice of color and size, you will love this. Called Davinci Frames-it holds up to 50 pictures (or photos) that can be very easily changed at will! As they advertise: It looks like a frame, stores like an album... So you get to easily insert the newest "masterpiece" and have a place to store the rest!

Love to hear your comments!

Looks Like a Frame
Stores Like an Album Looks Like a Frame
Stores Like an Album

Love a Great Sale!

2010-07-06T23:14:00.006-04:00

Not only is Container Store having an amazing sale on organizing items; they are giving 12 free organizing tips! (Love the navy blue boxes!)

You Never Have To Misplace Your Keys Again.

2010-06-20T11:37:00.016-04:00

Do you find yourself looking for your keys all the time?

It may be really easy for some of you to remember where you put them, but, if you're anything like me, you probably should have a set place. I used to waste countless hours searching my home and then making apologies for being late to where I needed to be. I thought I would share some of the wonderful options I've discovered out there, to make your life easier and more organized.

I prefer organizational products to look terrific, while being functional. Some of my ideas are less obtrusive than others, and some also have a place for your incoming mail-which solves two organizing problems in one.

I recommend that you place the following items as you enter your home, by the front door.

This simple, slim, seven hook key rack comes as seen in white or in walnut Both colors are also available with only four hooks.

Perfect, modern, simplicity. Of course in stainless steel, however, somewhat pricey. But, think of all the time you'll save not searching for your keys.

This stainless steel key holder is a very cool addition to a contemporary home.

Steel, pretty, somewhat rustic, six hook rack can be personalized with any name you want, up to 10 letters.

Solid wood magnetic key rack and letter holder also available in natural, almost looks like a work of art.

Chrome triple mail organizer/ key holder. Helps clear the whole family's incoming mail clutter.

Or you can do as I do on my way in. I drop them into a beautiful, handmade, glass bowl on my entryway credenza and just grab them on my way out...

bowl by Hudson Beach Glass

So, these are but a few ideas I have found for this major time saver. You can always hang your sunglasses as well, to keep them by the door for easy reach!

Final hints:

1) Be sure to measure the area where it will be placed; if you decide to get one. 2) Use a level when you put it up.

Are these something you feel might help you save time and feel more relaxed? I'd love to hear your comments or ideas.

Enjoy!

top double keys photo: Chance Agrella

Do You Live in Clutter?

2010-05-25T23:54:00.016-04:00

It is said, "it is a jungle out there."

But what happens when you are living in a jungle of clutter? You don't have a sanctuary to come home to. You don't have a feeling of peace and serenity when you are in your own home or your office. You spend so much time and energy looking for things, when you could be relaxing. You spend wasted time wishing you had a clutter free environment and you feel helpless and at a loss as to where to start Organizational skills are either innate or taught. And, we can be taught!

The truth is, it isn't always easy, but don't worry; you are not alone. And there is help out there!

Imagine yourself living a clutter free life. No more messy desk. Easy to find clothing and accessories A kitchen that has a place for everything and easy access.

I would love to help you live this way and learn how to have the peace of mind you have been dreaming of. I can do it with you or for you. And, it will be tailored specifically for you so it will be easy to maintain.

I start by coming to your home or office, and asking specific questions, which will help me determine what will work best for you. We walk through your space together, so that I can determine your needs and your style. We agree on what stays and what goes where. I will then suggest different options that will help you stay organized. You begin to take a deep breath and relax as I begin to help you make your life easier...

Tell me areas of your home or office you would like to see decluttered and/or organized. I want to help!

Email me.