Archive | Organization RSS feed for this section

Preppy Home Office

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using this link.

Have you been thinking about giving your home office an update? These images may just motivate you to do that. You may recall my wonderful intern from the past two summers, Michaela. Last year she graduated from design school and has launched her own firm, Michaela Noelle Designs. I’m thrilled to share with you a project she recently debuted. It’s a preppy home office design for a mutual friend of ours that has two boys. Looking to have a girly space of her own, she hired Michaela to transform her catch-all office space into a room that’s fresh, feminine and beautifully organized.

preppy home office design

office before

We created four zones for the office: the bookshelf /scrapbooking supply area, the desk, window seat and bar cart we are calling our “craft cart”. Bar carts really are versatile! – Michaela

preppy home office // pinboard detail

The thing I love about my new office space is the way I feel when I go in there: peace and happiness! My old office made me crazy with all the clutter and disorganization. I love the Expedite unit with all the baskets and storage and finally somewhere to put all my scrapbooking albums! I also love the prints in my office, such a great idea, especially the LOVE one above my desk. – happy client

preppy home office // ikea shelving and stencil wallpreppy home officecraft cart // preppy home officevintage truck in window // preppy home office

I love that the vintage trunk was kept under the window. It’s softened with floor length West Elm drapery in a soft lattice pattern and a trio of throw pillows in navy velvet and a chinoiserie floral by Caitlin Wilson Textiles. If interested in knowing more product sources featured in this beautiful office, please visit Michaela’s blog!

Bravo Michaela! Love, love, love  it!

Happy decorating,

Cristin

*images courtesy of Michaela Noelle Designs

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on January 8, 2014 in home accessories, Interiors, office supplies, office/study, Organization, textiles, window treatments

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.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
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.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on November 19, 2013 in Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, product review, Tips/Tricks, travel tips

Organizing with Labels

I’ve been on a bit of an organizing kick lately and it was all spurred on by a lovely basket of goodies that the folks at Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery sent me. The assortment of beautiful labels jumped out and soon I was labeling everything! Here are a few images of my favorite labels and how I used them in my own home…

reusable chalkboard labels for boxes - Simplified Bee #labelsThe scalloped chalkboard labels are fabulous and the fact that they are reusable is the best! Just write, erase, and write again!

durable labels for storage boxes - Simplified Bee #labelsOur garage recently got a little makeover, so the durable labels for all the bins came in very handy. I printed them out using an easy to use template at Avery.

dishwasher safe laels for food containers - Simplified BeeThis freezer and dishwasher safe label is perfect for leftovers.

pretty holiday address labels - Simplified Bee #labels

The Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery offers a variety of festive mailing labels for the holiday, but this one with gold detail went with the Christmas card I already selected!

 reusable chalkboard gift labels - Simplified Bee #labels

And how cute is the round, reusable chalkboard label? I’m using it here as a gift tag. Love it!

Inspired to get organized too? If so, Staples is offering a 40% off coupon on any one Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery product in store, or $4 off $10 at staples.com – now until November 16th.

Happy organizing,

Cristin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Read full story By on November 14, 2013 in Closets, discounts, Features, home organization, Mail, martha stewart, Organization, product review