Tag Archives | Organizing Tips

Getting Organized :: Stylish Desk Accessories

As we look forward to 2014, many of us are setting new year’s goals and resolutions. High on most lists is getting organized (no surprise here I’m sure!). For me I struggle with desk organization and aim to keep it more tidy this coming year. The right desk accessories are key to creating an efficient work-space, yet so many are ho-hum and aren’t pretty. That’s why I’m thrilled about teaming up with See Jane Work at Office Depot to help me create a beautiful, streamlined desk that reflects my personal style. Their collection combines fresh style and smart organization – can’t get better than that! See Jane Work’s chic office accessories come in fresh patterns and color palettes perfect for mixing and matching. I selected items in hues of blue, pink and white and love how it coordinates with the items I already owned.

stylish desk organization - simplified bee + see jane workstylish and fresh desk accessories - simplified bee

above: See Jane Work cup holder, tape dispenser and stapler – all in a crisp white

stylish desk organization and accessories - simplified bee + see jane workpink and turquoise desk accessories - simplified bee

Organizing Tip: Write down your list of to dos and cross them off as they are completed – prioritize them for even more efficiency! Here I’m using See Jane Work’s “To Do” sticky notepad!

stylish desk accessories - simplified bee + see jane work

See Jane Work’s desktop letter sorter in a blue and white herringbone pattern (above) is so chic and I love how it keeps my stationary close at hand. Awe, doesn’t it feel good to be organized?

Happy new year and happy organizing,

Cristin

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Office Depot, although all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on December 30, 2013 in home accessories, home organization, Interiors, new years, office supplies, office/study, Organization, organization tips, Paperwork, product review, simplified bee portfolio, stationary

Organized Travel

Whether I’m traveling for a weekend or for over a week, being organized is essential to making the trip go smoothly. I’ve always considered my packing techniques good, until I met Eagle Creek. The luggage company known for it’s functional, durable and flexible products, asked me pick out some items for review.  Without knowing much about the brand or products, I have to admit I was a little reluctant (I don’t review every product that comes my way!). However, I was pleasantly surprised with the high-quality and durable construction of the Eagle Creek products I selected – which makes this review sooo much easier!

packing for a weekend trip - Simplified Bee

I tested the products on a recent weekend trip. Here’s a look at all the items I needed to pack – I know, a girl’s gotta have lots of options!

packing system cubes for suitcase - Simplified Bee

First I selected the rolling, lightweight carry-on, Tarmac 22. Indeed at 7lbs 4 ozs, this is a light bag! Even though the luggage has an expandable main compartment, I also selected the Pack-it Specter Cube Set to help organize and maximize the space. The zippered pouches are very lightweight as well and I was amazed at how much I could cram in each! (kinda like the Chinese food takeout boxes!) I also love that they are water resistant! With the packing system, I was able to get all of my clothing (roll clothing for maximum efficiency), shoes and toiletries fitting perfectly in the main compartment.

padded front pocket - luggage review - Simplified Bee

I didn’t need it for this trip, but the front exterior pocket is padded – great for storing tablets and most laptops.

durable expanable luggage review - Simplified Bee

The coat keeper came in very handy and helped free up my hands. I also added a couple lime zipper pull not only for a fun pop of color, but to allow me to quickly identify my luggage in the future at those crazy baggage claims.

Although these products haven’t been tested long term, I’m not worried because Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty. Don’t you love when company’s stand behind their products like this? You’ll have to check out Eagle Creek.

If you’ll be traveling this holiday season, you may be interested in this archived article I wrote with more organized travel tips!

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*Disclosure: The travel products in this post were provided by Eagle Creek, however all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on November 19, 2013 in Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, product review, Tips/Tricks, travel tips

Getting Organized :: Mudrooms

We are sadly counting down the days until the kids go back to school (yes, we haven’t started yet!). As you know, there is a great deal of preparation that goes into getting children ready for the first days of school. Getting the kids organized also motivates me to tackle other areas of our home and has me dreaming of a room we don’t have. A mudroom. In California, we don’t need a space for snowy boots and over-sized coats, but it sure would be nice to have a drop zone for shoes, backpacks and sporting equipment.

Here are a few organized mudrooms that I’d welcome in my home any day!

hallway-mudroom-design

(image via houzz)

Love this hallway mudroom and all the natural light!

color coded mudroom organization

(image via houzz)

Color coding cubbies for family members is a great way to organize a mudroom.

custom built-in for mudroom

(image via BHG)

This mudroom’s custom cabinetry features open shelving, drawers and hooks. So beautifully functional!

fabulous mudroom design

(image via houzz)

I really like this mudroom with open shelving and shoe storage on the stone flooring.

Organizing your home too? Remember the first step is to declutter! Conquering clutter isn’t easy, but here’s questions to ask yourself when decluttering.

Happy Organizing!

Cristin

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Read full story By on August 19, 2013 in back-to-school, Interiors, mudrooms, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, storage, Tips/Tricks

Garage Organization :: Monkey Bars Bike Rack Giveaway & Discount

Planning to organize your garage in the New Year? Typically the best way to keep your garage organized and clean is to get items off the floor. Using the walls and ceiling space to create additional storage options is key and the Monkey Bars garage organization system can help you do it. They offer a versatile shelf-rack system that allows home owners to customize storage solutions based on their needs. I’ve seen it first hand in action and it’s so simple and so brilliant.

garage organization tips

Utilizing a patented design and all-steel components, the Monkey Bars system is designed to last and hold a lot of storage in a little amount of space. They seem to have a solution for most everything including bikes, golf bags, skis, folding chairs, camping gear and gardening tools.
Monkey Bars Garage Organizing System
 If getting your garage organized in on your to do list, you’re in luck!  The nice folks at Monkey Bars are giving away their garage bike rack to one lucky Simplified Bee reader. Sold for $99.99, this wall mounted bike rack is the best way to store bicycles and can be installed in just 15 minutes.
monkey bars bike rack giveaway

 Here’s how to enter to win the garage bike rack:

  • Simply leave a comment on this post (provide your email if I don’t have a way to contact you).
  • Extra Entry – become a new follower of Simplified Bee’s BlogTwitterPinterest or Facebook Page.
  • Extra Entry – mention this giveaway in a blog post, Facebook link, tweet or pin an image from this post, then leave a comment letting me know.
  • Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.

Entry period closes at midnight PST on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on the Simplified Bee Facebook page on Thursday, January 31, 2013.

garage organizing system

Monkey Bars is also giving all Simplified Bee readers 15% off their products from now until February 6, 2013. Simply use the promo code: BEE2013 Thanks Monkey Bars!

don't agonize, organize.

Happy organizing & good luck!

Cristin

 

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Read full story By on January 23, 2013 in Features, garage organization, Giveaways, Organization, organization tips, Uncategorized