Organized Meg

I've Moved!

2013-05-22T20:36:00.001-05:00

Organized Meg has officially moved. After much thought, I've realized that focusing on organization was becoming a downward spiral. I love to organize things with pretty paper and binders, much more than I enjoy the pressure of maintaining a completely organized home or life. Please join me at my new home: www.meganminns.com.

Thank you!

- Megan

Investing Your Love

2013-03-23T22:20:00.002-05:00

Monday Motivation: Eleanor Roosevelt

2013-02-25T20:58:00.000-06:00

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Just a quick update: I'm working on revamping the blog (for the hundredth time?) and playing around with the design a bit! Hoping to get life under control a bit more and then I'll be able to start posting on here more often. Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2012-11-22T09:03:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful for my incredible family and friends and the constant support they've always given me. I hope you all have an incredible Thanksgiving full of love, thanks, and delicious food!

Want: Herringbone Vest

2012-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

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I am loving the way Rachel Parcell, from Pink Peonies, layered these fabulous pieces from J.Crew! I have been eyeing this herringbone vest for weeks now and it is officially on my wish list! Make sure to check out her blog for daily doses of fashion envy!

New Look!

2012-11-19T23:24:00.001-06:00

Organized Meg has another new look... and I'm really enjoying this one so far! I hope everyone has a lovely rest of their night!

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P.S. Another post coming your way in the morning :)

Monday Motivation: Enjoy the Little Things

2012-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!

2012-10-31T19:44:00.001-05:00

image from Hocus Pocus

I know I will... I'll be watching my favorite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus!

Monday Motivation: Honest Abe

2012-10-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

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Monday Motivation: Outside Your Comfort Zone

2012-07-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

It's Monday again, which means it's time for Monday Motivation!

Whatever the week ahead may look like for you, chances are that you're going to be challenged to go outside of your comfort zone at some point. I hope that this quote reassures you and motivates you to take the challenge.

Whatever dreams and hopes we have, the only way to reach them is to step outside of our comfort zone. Think back to any new experience you had. You may have been nervous, anxious, self-conscious, or excited. Now, think about how great you felt when you saw how much you grew as a person from that experience. No matter the outcome, you learned something about yourself. That step outside of your comfort zone stretched you and made you a better you. If you think back early enough, chances are that some of those experiences end up being crucial steps in the journey to where you are now.

So, whether you're interviewing for a job, meeting new people, adjusting to a new role, moving to a new place, or just trying to find your way, be encouraged that every time you put yourself out there and go out of your comfort zone, you will be one step closer to being who you were meant to be.

Casual Friday: Coral Accessories

2012-07-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Since starting my job, I have come to truly appreciate Casual Friday. Sure you can get away with wearing jeans, a plain top, and flat sandals, but that's not how to make a good impression at work. The trick is to find a way to be more casual and comfortable while still putting forth an effort and looking professional. I think the best way to do that is to start with a casual foundation - a simple top and jeans - and use accessories to top it all off.

Casual Friday: Coral Accessories by organizedmeg featuring wedge shoes

In this outfit, we pull the peachy/coral color from the top and exploit it by using bright coral accessories. The structured bag, chandelier earrings, and wedges take this outfit to the next level and show that you put in an effort to look your best at work. Just because you get to wear jeans, doesn't mean you should act like you don't care.

Plus, being excited about your outfit will make you more confident, energetic, and excited for work. What a great way to end the week!

Pure Barre

2012-07-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have never been very good at making myself work out. I just haven't found the right way to stay fit and stick to it. Running is very trying for me mentally and I just don't enjoy it... at least not yet. Then there's yoga. I love the stretch it gives me and I feel great afterwards, but the slow pace just kills me sometimes. So what can I do that will keep me entertained, motivated, and excited to keep going back?

While reading a favorite blog of mine, Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth, I came across a type of workout I had never heard of before, The Bar Method. A workout that involves a ballet barre, special socks, upbeat music, and an all-over workout. The only problem was that there wasn't a Bar Method near me. So I began looking around the area and came across Pure Barre.

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After looking at their website and reading testimonials, I was ready to give this a try. These people seemed like me and they all spoke of the "addiction" they had to Pure Barre. I laughed to myself, thinking I could never be "addicted" to any kind of work out, but I hoped that I was wrong.

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The next morning I booked a class and anxiously got dressed and went to Pure Barre. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was excited to try this out. Each class is 55 minutes long and designed for all levels. What that means is that the instructor will lead the class at a medium-type level and tell you how to make it harder or easier. There were five or six of us who were first-timers in this class and I was so relieved to not be the only new one.

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Although you can just wear normal socks, I went ahead and bought the special gripper socks. Thankfully, they provide all the accessories you need for the workout: the barre, weights, a small ball, elastic band, and a really thick mat. The class has five different parts: a warm up, arms, legs, butt, and abs.

And let me tell you, those 55 minutes FLEW by! It was, without a doubt, the hardest workout of my entire life... but I LOVED it! Every minute was challenging but rewarding. They say if your legs aren't shaking during the workout then you need to make it harder for yourself. Pushing through the workout while your legs are shaking was exhilarating. It gave me such a sense of accomplishment - to know that I had conquered my own doubts and pushed through the whole work out... shaky legs and all!

I left the class feeling invigorated, exhausted, and happy. I had finally found a workout that I enjoyed! Not only did I enjoy it, but I felt like it really had the potential to change my body and get me fit. I was sore for an entire week. No lie. Possibly even more. But it was great and I can't wait to go back for more!!

If you're looking for a way to increase your strength and flexibility, get fit, and have fun, this is definitely a great way to go!

Monday Motivation: There is Time for Everything

2012-07-16T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's here.

Monday.

Sigh.

In an effort to fight the reluctance that comes with every new week,

here's some motivation to give us all a boost and get us excited for the week ahead!

I hope it helps :)

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Happy Monday everyone!

Conservative and Trendy in the Office

2012-07-15T15:10:00.000-05:00

Just because the summer dress code may be more casual, doesn't mean you can skimp on looking professional at work. So how do you play with trends and still look conservative?

Wear classic pieces in fun and trendy colors or patterns.

Conservative and Trendy in the Office by organizedmeg featuring patent leather pumps

Since it's the summer, you can get away with doing this with bright and contrasting colors too! For example, this polka dot chambray takes the classic button down and makes it more casual, more trendy, and more textural. The timeless pencil skirt gets a boost here with a bright green color and contrasts nicely with coral pumps. Add a neutral purse and gold accessories to get a perfectly balanced outfit that will let you express yourself and maintain a professional look in the office!

Everything Meg

2012-07-08T21:54:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I got an adorable maltipoo puppy, moved into an apartment in the city, started a new job, and started a graduate degree program. And, to be honest, my life hasn't been organized enough to post anything truly helpful or deserving of this blog.

But I have more interests than just being organized. I want to be healthy, have a beautiful home, be stylish, be tech savvy, be a DIYer, and so much more. I'm sure you can all relate to me on that. Thanks to Pinterest, every modern, young woman is never lacking in want. We all want more. Perfect bodies. Great hair. The "dream" house. A killer closet. And so much more. It's exhausting... but also motivating and inspiring.

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In hopes of having a well-rounded, helpful, realistic, and encouraging blog, I've expanded the focus of Organized Meg to much more than organizing. It's a blog about life and things that we all enjoy. I am excited to post more frequently and about a larger variety of topics.

Thanks for following me and being along for the ride!

The Big Move - Part 4

2012-05-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Every Type A person knows that no plan is perfect, despite our every effort. And unfortunately, my packing plan is no different. I wasn't able to purge as much as I would have liked, plans changed, and my box labeling got a bit sloppy. But in the end the move went off without a hitch - and thats what really matters! The color coding was, by far, the most effective and efficient part of my move. The moving itinerary has also proved helpful in the unpacking process. Overall I am relieved and exhausted, but happy. Glad to be beginning the next chapter of my life! :)

my apartment during the packing chaos

my apartment empty... so surreal!

I hope that you can learn from my experience and have a great plan, do what you can, and be satisfied with a job well done! And since I won't be posting again for a few more days... Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Printable: Moving Itinerary

2012-05-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a moving related free printable for everyone! It comes in two colors and is a great way to keep track of each box during your move, what room it will be moved into, and what is in it! This list can go as detailed as you want but doesn't require much effort.

This is the best way to know whats in each box because you have a comprehensive list. You can quickly scan to find the box that has that one item you're looking for, know what room to look in, and see what # box it is in. It can also help you make sure that each box made it to your new residence!

All around this is a great printable! I hope you enjoy it! :)

{ download here }

The Big Move - Part 3

2012-05-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

The best part of moving? Color coding your rooms/boxes!!

Steps to color coding your move:

Assign a color to each room of your future residence
Make sure you use bright colors that stand out
Create a legend or key that is easily displayed for you and your family to see during the packing process
Label each box as soon as it is packed to assure that you won't mislabel a box
Try to make your labels as large as possible so they are easily seen
If using movers, make sure they are aware what room each color stands for
Pat yourself on the back when you see how much easier this made your move!

I recommend using Post-It Write, Peel, & Stick Label Pads! They come in different sizes, bright colors, and are so easy to remove!

And using them is even easier! Just write whatever you want on the label (optional), stick it on the box, fold on the dotted line, tear, and you're done!

These labels are so multifunctional that they could be used for a million different labeling purposes - not just moving! They do come in white as well if you are looking for a more clean look for labeling around the house. Happy color coding!

Vacation Time!

2012-05-21T07:30:00.001-05:00

What a crazy week this has been and what a crazy week I have coming up! I packed this week, moved this afternoon, packed for a vacation tonight, and will be on vacation this week! After my vacation, I have a wedding to go to for a dear friend of mine :)

Despite this craziness, I have a few posts that are scheduled for this week so you won't be without organizational inspiration! If you need to reach me for any questions or requests, however, I will be unable to respond for a little over a week.

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I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Instagram!

2012-05-16T10:25:00.003-05:00

Thanks to a lovely suggestion from my friend Heather, I have created an Organized Meg Instagram! Follow me on Instagram and see what I'm up to in my everyday life and get a sneak peek behind-the-scenes of my organization!

Follow me on Instagram: @OrganizedMeg

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Thanks and I hope to see you on Instagram! :)

Reader Question: Desktop Organization

2012-05-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

When I logged on to Facebook yesterday morning I was greeted with the most lovely surprise: a question from a reader! Yay! This question came from my friend Amy. Enjoy!

"Hey Megan! So... I moved home and I'm trying to figure out how to organize my desk. After lots of thinking I figured I should just ask the best organizer! I have a huge white kitchen table that I use as a desk. I have my computer and extra monitor on my desk and I'd like to keep the essentials on my desk (stapler, hole punch, pencils, etc.) rather than in a drawer. Any ideas? - Amy"

Amy's desk

Well Amy, I think the best solution for your desktop woes is going to be easy (and inexpensive) to do! Before we can accessorize your desk, there are a few things we have to do. First, clean off your desktop except for bare necessities (computer monitor, speakers, etc.). Next, go through all of your office supplies and determine what you will actually use and need to keep. If you still have stationary from years ago that you haven't touched, chances are you won't now. Now that you know what office supplies you have, and need to use, you can shop effectively!

When I visualize the best way to organize your desk, I'm picturing something very similar to the desktop storage pictured below:

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This picture shows that you can store your necessities on your desk and still have a clean and organized result! Below is a close up of the stackable, functional, and changeable desktop organizing system.

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The reason these organizers work is because they allow you to store papers, staplers, hole punchers, pens, pencils, and all of the necessary knickknacks that a home office needs. These organizers are from the Martha Stewart collection featured at Staples. They average about $11 a piece but vary depending on the style and accessories of choice. They come in three colors - white, teal, and espresso. Since you purchase each piece separately, you could buy just 1 piece or the whole collection depending on your needs! If you want to buy the least amount of desk accessories as possible, I'd recommend 2 paper trays and using the top one to hold your stapler, hole punch, etc. and act as a shelf for the things you need at your convenience.

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If Martha Stewart isn't your style, or you just want to be more colorful, The Container Store offers stackable paper trays in a variety of fun colors! They also offer a transparent version of Martha Stewart's stackable and interchangeable desktop organization system.

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Another option could be to use a tray - of any kind - to create a designated place to keep it all! This allows you to have a more personal style and add some more interest to your study area. A pretty space is a functional one!

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You could buy a tray of your own personal style, or get crafty and take a cooking sheet and turn it into something beautiful!

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One of the best things about the tray is that it can be easily moved if you need to clear off your desktop for a big project! Well Amy, I hope this helped you! Make sure to send me a picture after you organize your desk! :) Good luck!

If you have any more tips for Amy or suggestions on how to organize her desk, please leave a comment below!

Guest Blogger: Travel Tips

2012-05-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

Happy summer everyone! Now that school is out and Texas heat is in full force, it seems like a great time to discuss travel tips for all of those summer vacations going on. My friend Matt is a self-proclaimed "expert packer" and is here as my first guest blogger to share some incredible tips on traveling and packing smart! Enjoy!

Matt in Hong Kong

"General packing tips:

Pack light, whenever possible try to limit yourself to a carry on. You'll avoid baggage fees, time at the baggage collection area, and the possibility of the airline losing your luggage.
I prefer to use a carry on size suitcase with wheels. I prefer these to backpacks because it is easier to sort through clothes without unpacking an entire backpack. When selecting a carry on weight is important, as many budget airlines restrict the weight of your carry on.
If possible, buy unique color luggage to deter thieves from walking off with your bags at the security screening or luggage retrieval.

Clever luggage tricks:

If your bag is overweight when checking or carrying on, remove some of the heavier articles of clothing and put them on. They can only restrict the weight of the luggage, not the person!
If you plan on packing a pair of tennis shoes, tie the shoes together through a loop on the outside of your carry on. This frees up valuable space inside your suitcase or backpack.
Roll up shirts and pants instead of folding them. This allows you to pack more densely than folding.
Plan outfits ahead of time to avoid having to dig to the bottom of the suitcase to retrieve clothes.
Store all liquids and electronics in an external pocket for easy accessibility during security screenings.
Have a folder with all boarding passes, itineraries, and addresses available for easy reference. When traveling abroad it's a good idea to use Google Translate to translate the directions into the native language, especially in Asia, where many languages are characters instead of letters.
Before leaving research where the airport is in relation to your accommodation. The international airports in cities such as Paris and Hong Kong are a considerable distance from the city centers. Know your transportation options from the airport to avoid a costly cab fare.
Oh! And carry an empty trash bag in each suitcase to use as a cover in case you're caught out in the rain."

Thank you so much to Matt for being my first guest blogger! I hope y'all enjoyed his great advice and if you have any tips for traveling or packing, please share by leaving a comment!

The Big Move - Part 2

2012-05-13T20:49:00.002-05:00

Well the week of extreme packing is here! I have a lot to do but I've got the color coded labels and the packing plan to get it all done. Below is my packing plan / to do list for each room. Once all of the boxes are checked off, I will be done packing and ready to move!

I look forward to sharing pictures and lessons on sorting through what you own, packing, and moving as this week continues! I also have some wonderful non-moving related posts planned too. Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's out there!

Printables: Revised

2012-05-10T15:43:00.000-05:00

I'm going through and revising some of my printables and I started off by revising my To Do List and my Class Assignments printables. I have removed the old versions from my printables page and replaced them with the updated version.

To Do List

{ download here }

Class Assignments

{ download here }

Enjoy!

Pinspiration: Washi Tape

2012-05-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

We already know just how much I love agendas, so imagine my excitement when I came across this colorful image on pinterest! #swoon

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This picture was originally posted on Take Two They're Small back in March but somehow I just discovered it via pinterest. The tape used here is called Washi Tape and I have absolutely never heard of it until now... but I love it! You can find Washi Tape all over etsy and specialty websites but I'm hoping to score some at my local craft store - I'll keep you updated!

The great thing about this Washi Tape is that it is transparent and easily removed and replaced. That kind of flexibility in a agenda is absolutely priceless! I hate it when I have to scratch things out because plans changed. Plus, the tape comes in so many different colors, patterns, and sizes, that it would be extremely helpful in color coding your schedule.

Washi Tape FAQ

What is Washi Tape?

Find a brief explanation here!

Where are some places that can I find Washi Tape?

Cute Tape, Happy Tape, & Etsy

Have you ever used Washi Tape? Know where I can find some in person? Comment and share your wisdom with the rest of us!