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Getting Organized :: Mudrooms

August 19, 2013 · Comments { 1 }

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!

(image via houzz)

Love this hallway mudroom and all the natural light!

(image via houzz)

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

(image via BHG)

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

(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

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

7 Stylish Daily Planners 2014

August 14, 2013 · Comments { 2 }

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

UPDATE: Take a look at the new Stylish Day Planners 2015!

Keeping a calendar is a critical if not essential step in managing your daily activities and prioritizing your time. It’s also a great way to kick off a new school year and 2014 (I know! It’s not that far off!) on the right foot. By logging appointments, events and assignments in a daily planner, you can reduce stress by knowing that you aren’t forgetting anything. When kept up-to-date, a planner allows you to find information quickly, prioritize effectively and schedule appointments on the spot.

Even with fabulous online calendar apps, I still enjoy writing down our household schedule in a traditional daily planner. With so many super stylish designs available, the tough part is selecting one!

Here’s my seven favorite, stylish daily planners for 2014:

Erin Condren’s Life Planner – known for it’s personalization (can add photos) and variety of colorful patterns

stylish daily planner 2014 // zig zag pattern by Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler’s 2013-2014 Agenda – because the zig zag pattern rocks!

Sarah Pinto’s 2013-2014 Academic Planner – known for it’s preppy style and perfect for students

Colorful Daily Planners by Lilly Pulitzer 2014

Lilly Pultizer’s Agenda (August 2013 – December 2014) – love the colorful, playful patterns and the large size. It’s a planner and notebook in one!

Stylish Day Planner 2014 // Gold Stripes

Whitney English’s Gold Day Designer (August 2013 – August 2014) – this super chic gold stripe planner is a limited edition, so act fast!

momAgenda’s Mini-Daily (August 2013 – August 2014) – the compact design fits in most purses, backpacks and diaper bags which moms love.

simplified day planner / binder for 2014

Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner – for those who love binders… this planner you build yourself based on your lifestyle and needs.

I also love this quote found on Emily Ley’s website stressing the need to prioritize and schedule time with loved ones.

If you can’t seem to find the time, here are some Time Management Tips that may help!

Happy Organizing!!!

Read full story By Cristin on August 14, 2013 in daily planners, office supplies, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, Paperwork, time management, Tips/Tricks

Friday Find :: Truffle Clarity Pouch

June 28, 2013 · Comments { 4 }

Summer vacations, beach outings or simply lounging by the pool. Summer months have us all on the go! Keeping beach bags, suitcases and purses organized in a stylish way can be a challenge, but not anymore! Clarity Pouches by Truffle were designed to be highly functional, versatile, reusable and stylish. The see-through pouch comes in two sizes and an array of colors to fit your needs, while the modern, high quality design compliments the chicest handbag. For frequent plane travelers, the Petite Clarity is TSA approved size for carry-on making getting through security less stressful.

Recently I published beach bag essentials, but overlooked one very important piece. The sweet folks at Truffle noticed it too and sent me some pouches to try for myself.

Well, I am completely sold. As you can see the petite Clarity Pouch is a perfect size to hold the little items that otherwise would get lost at the bottom of my large handbag. (and yes, I think a small child could fit in this handbag!) So if you are looking to make your handbag, carry-on luggage or beach bag effortlessly organized, while still looking super stylish, you will have to consider a Truffle Clarity Pouch.

Happy Friday and Happy Organizing!

Cristin

* for those traveling this summer, here are tips on packing for a trip!

Read full story By Cristin on June 28, 2013 in Features, Friday Finds, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, product review, Tips/Tricks, travel tips

Interior Designer, Angie Hranowsky’s Home + Weekend Reads

April 12, 2013 · Comments { 2 }

I’ve long been a fan of Charleston, South Carolina-based interior designer, Angie Hranowky. The former graphic designer mixes pattern and color effortlessly. I especially like Angie’s style because it feels so personal, inviting and organic. When I heard that her new pad (a charming historic 1850’s home) was being featured in the latest Lonny Magazine, I just knew I’d love it. And indeed I did. Angie’s renting the home which has it’s challenges for anyone (including designers), yet she pulls it off amazingly. As you will see the window treatment, wall paint and lighting fixtures she selected make a huge impact in the space. In the article, Angie gives great tips on making a rental your own.

blue child's bedroom design

*images via Lonny Magazine

It’s Friday… one of my favorite days of the week. Over the weekend I’ll be diving into more shelter magazines and blogs. I thought I’d share a few links to blog articles I enjoyed this past week.