Project: Desk Organization.

This summer, I have big goals.

HUGE goals.

Goals that I have had for quite some time.

Ready to hear what they are??? {I know you are waiting with bated breath!}

Summer Goals: 

1. Thoroughly clean, purge & organize bedroom/fake office. 

2. Thoroughly clean, purge & organize craft room. 

I have organized my desk, and I am here to take you on a "tour" as well as teach you my three steps for organization!

The steps are simple. You know the term SEO? Search Engine Optimization??

Well, if you can remember S.C.O. you will know just what to do when conquering your organizational fears!

S - is for sort.

C - is for clean.

O - is for organize.

Here is my before picture of my desk... I really, really do not want to show you, but I will. 

Do not judge me, okay?? ;-)

 

 Now, let me preface this mess by saying this is everything from inside and on top of my desk. All piled up. Here is where the sorting comes in...

Just start picking up items and placing them into a pile...

See the holy @!*# of a mess??

And, my sweet dog Buddy! He was a big help during this process. ;-)

 It doesn't look quite as daunting once placed into piles! Right??

 

Now comes the clean part...

It's really two words: clear & clean

If you don't clear & clean your surface 

and sort it out, you cannot organize!

Notice my pink Inspiration Board! It houses my large monthly calendar + a few keepsakes & motivational items + my coupons/offers/gift certificates. I see them and know exactly where they are! {These are to stores/businesses in which I do not frequent often: Anthropologie, The Container Store, etc... My birthday is in June, so I am racking up the discounts!}

Now comes the F-U-N part! 

organizing!

Just a few words about organizing....

I organize in my own way, with my own systems. It may be different for you! In the past week of having an organized desk, I have found many things NOT working. But! That is the great thing about O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-I-N-G! You can change what you need to and keep what works! {{clap clap clap!}}

 Alright, let's break this baby down!

This is a tiny ceramic loaf pan I got on sale ($0.50!) at Michael's near Thanksgiving... It has been sitting in the bag waiting for a loving home. This is where I am putting all the business cards I acquire through out the week, along with receipts and other items that can be filed later!

Now, let's talk calendars/agendas/keep it together books... Whatever YOU call it, I probably own it. I did not realize I have MAJOR issues with purchasing calendars..... These are ALL 2012 calendars, and it will be June 1st tomorrow. Have I mentioned that I have an iPhone that syncs with my Google Calendar?? And, yes, you notice TWO Lilly calendars... The small size didn't work, the big size works, but is missing something (don't know what...). There is also a legal pad and a spiral bound notebook. Oh! And, there are two calendars missing from this pile. One, which is upstairs, the other you will see by my chair in the after pictures. Yikes.... Is there a calendar intervention program??? Dave Ramsey would NOT be happy!

Okay, this was a SAAA-WHEEEET purchase back at Christmas. Got this baby half off + % off! YAY!

Thought it would work great for all my office needs.... BUT! It's rather large, and takes up way too much space on my desk. Last night I purchased very cute glass candy jars from the Dollar Store, which I am making labels for and will use to house my "non-crafting" office supplies: i.e. Pens & Pencils + Scissors!

This lovely carousel will go upstairs in my craft room, with all the other craft items. She will have a lovely home there, and be used quite often!

Here is a closer view of my inspiration board. Which is really a tack board covered in fabric (that matches my earring holder!).

Left hand Top Drawer - houses my stationary items. Three-hole punch, address stampers, index cards (for list making! L-O-V-E index cards!) and all my monogrammed cards are in the back. Along with two rulers and an extra Lilly iPhone case when my current one bites the dust. Yes, it matches my  TWO Lilly calendars! I love matching, can you tell????

 Here is the Right hand Bottom Drawer.  When I read an article in a magazine which I absolutely love, I rip it out and file into the coordinating category. I had no idea how many articles I was storing.... But! I went through each and every one of them, and kept the BEST ones. Now, when I have nothing to write about, I have a file drawer full of inspiration! By the way, there are file folders in there that match the calendars and the iPhone case. If you must know, the print is called Luscious, and this is the usual store where I order all my Office Lilly needs!!

Okay, so here is my Right hand Drawer... And, as you can see it ALSO has address stamps in it. This is where the change part comes in... I didn't like my business cards free floating in the drawer. Not that they were getting up and moving when I opened/closed it, but I like "things" to have specific spaces. So, I moved things around and came up with this:

So, now the business cards are in one container, and easily accessible. I have paper clips, rubber bands (and claw clips underneath!) and push pins in cute Anthropologie bowls, which you can find HERE. I have a few more of these bowls, waiting for some bracelets and hair ties! LOVE them. You will see my favorite label maker in the back, as well as MORE index cards! In the clear acrylic container there are plugs that I don't use often, safety pins, and my car unlock/lock puncher... I'm not sure why it's not on my key ring....???

Let's not forget my lovely shoe shelf! While totally not as functional as I thought, it works rather well! When I move into organizing my closet to a T, this shelf will be used to hold my printer, laminator & other "big items."  That basket right there is a temporary catch all - those items needed to go upstairs!

Alright, here is the big reveal side by side!

What are some ways in which you organize?? Have you discovered any great systems that work well for you?? I would love to know! Thanks reading this LONNGG post!

XOXO,

Annndddd, I'm Back!!!

Well, it's been a while. A long while. A long, LONNNGGGGGGGG while.

I bet my two readers are wondering where I have been????

 I went to the GREAT state of Texas! And absolutely LOVED it.

As in, I would like someone to order me a cowboy with a 500 hundred acre ranch with Longhorn Steer. 

I'll show up and be a great wife, promise!

I worked on a Congressional Campaign and loved it. (Are you seeing a pattern????)

I have always liked politics, but finding myself "in" politics??? NEVER saw that one coming! I am hoping to be better involved in my community, making a difference!

In all this time my bedroom turned into complete mayhem. Seriously. Clothes everywhere, piles of clutter, shoes everywhere!

For the past {almost} week I have been cleaning out, organizing, and creating systems.

I have been pouring over several blogs, who focus specifically on organizing.

Here are a few of my favorites!

I {heart} Organizing!

Jen is AH-MAZING with organizing! And, honestly, it's pretty tangible! Take it all out, purge/giveaway/throw away, put it back in containers or "places," then LABEL (!!!) everything.  Check out her super fun F-R-E-E Printables! I'm sure they will rock your world.

{I LOVE LABELS.}

Organizing Junkie!

Meet, Laura, who like Jen has great ideas and tips for organizing efficiently, yet not spending lots of money getting there! Laura also has some F-R-E-E Printables! 

And... Finally,

Buttoned Up!

This is a fabulous website for anything you need to know about organizing - about GETTING to the point of getting organized, and making it happen! Buttoned Up also comes with F-R-E-E Printables!!!! I just printed several of theirs, and laminated them. Making my charts "reusable" - just write in a Vis a Vis marker, then swipe clean with a damp paper towel!

In the next few weeks, I am {slowly} coming up with my own systems, labels, and charts. I will have a new page on Sweetpea Lifestyle for Printables! VERY exciting for this paper loving gal!

I'll also be sure and share the AFTER of my room, but no before...... 

Much Love, Dear Ones!

Texas, Here We Come!

On Thursday, my sweet mama and I are headed to Austin, Texas! We are visiting her dear friend Beth, who is just as fun as can be!

Mama grew up in Orange, Texas - and has yet to go back. We may be going to visit, however, Wimberley & Austin are going to hold our attention wayyyy more than Orange!

How is everyone's Winter??? We have had the most beautiful weather! It is crazy to think about how bitter cold the past two winters have been, and how warm and subtle this one is. Love it!

I have started a new job as a Finance Director for a local congressional campaign! Absolutely love it.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

Hugs, Dear Ones!

Hair.

My hair is my pride and joy.

I love it.

I'm not bragging, I just have super great hair, and I am ever thankful for it!

That being said, I have a few favorite hair products I would never live without!

(I say this a lot... I could live without them, if I chose to. But, I don't think I'm willing to make that decision, just quite yet....)

Here I am! Thanks, Katie Girl for making me feel beautiful, and taking some fabulous new images!

I wash my hair with Wen. I have proclaimed my love for Wen on Pinterest and to all who will listen anywhere I go!

It's different from shampoo - it is a cleansing CONDITIONER... So, now lather. Just creamy-creaminess, and feels like you are NOT washing your hair. Filled with wonderful plant extracts and no sulfate, this rich conditioner keeps my hair from looking like this:

 I loathe tangles. It reminds me of standing in front of our bathroom sink as a child, my mom yanking on my hair..... The majority of my younger years were spent with short hair - TANGLE FREE.

One thing I love best about the 'shampoo' is the fact that I basically, massage it into my hair/scalp, throw my hair up on top of my head and LEAVE IT.

A couple minutes after I've let it sit on top of my head, I take it down and comb through it with two different sized combs. One wide tooth, to remove the residual tangles (near the nape of my neck...due to scarf wearing...) then comb through with a fine tooth comb. This ensures every strand is cleaned and conditioned.

Rinse! And done!

I used to spend a good 10-20 minutes combing through my hair when  I used normal shampoo/conditioners. Now, I take my Turbie Twistie off, and can comb through like BUTTER!

{If you don't own a Turbie Twistie, it is great! Buy something for yourself! You deserve it!}

Most days I will leave my hair to dry naturally, which is curly.

{No picture available.}

However, like you see in the first picture, I blow dry my hair using a few simple products.



First up, my trusty hair brush!

I like to 'roll' my hair as I dry it - since I have Rapunzel length hair, I use one of those HUGE, FAT brushes you see in the hair aisle and wonder WHO would EVER use THAT! (I thought that for years, but like most things I doubt, say I will never do, etc - I use one!)

The only thing I do not like about this brush is the gel grip. Yes, it is comfy - however, where the gel and the top of the brush meet is the culprit. There is a SUPER TINY space that traps my hair when rolling it up, then when I begin unrolling, it pulls it out.....

so not fun.

The main reason I love this brush, is because it is hollow in the center. Using a hollowed brush that has holes allows your hair to dry faster and more even. When using a round brush that is not hollow, my hair drys on the top, but not the bottom. Taking SO much longer to dry. And, after half an hour of standing there, drying & rolling, I don't want to add ANYMORE time!

I dry my hair in 8 sections. Starting with the back underside, working my way to the front top side.

I dry my hair with a Ultra Quiet Hair Dryer.

Now, I hate to say this, but I have had this baby since 8th grade! And, I can tell it is going to die soon.... But, they don't make it anymore! I love the quiet sound and the powerful air it provides.

Oh, dear beloved hair dryer, please do not die on me this year. I need to search high and low for the next perfect dryer!


If I'm feeling really fun (not too often!) I like to curl my hair with a big ole 1.5 inch curling iron.

I use this Conair 1.5 inch Curling Iron.

I like it.

Don't love it.

The ONLY reason I don't L.O.V.E. it is...

The on/off buttons are right where my hand sits, and when I roll my hair up, about every third strand I turn it off...... Very annoying.  Other than that, it does a great job!

And, to add to my 1995-ness, I love to spray my whole head down with my favorite hair spray:

If you haven't seen Hairspray, watch this, it's a great musical!

I may or may not dance around while I spray this lovely hairspray.....


I think that finishes my hair faves.


Whew, long post!


Are there any products you just LOVE for your hair???

 

Tips for Packing, Beautifully!

Click HERE to view my Polyvore Boards!

With many trips on the horizon in the next few months, I have been pre-planning what items I will take with me. Yes, I do know most of the trips are a month or so away, but I like to plan. I like to know exactly what I will be carrying, and how I will be carrying it!

Also..... I love to pack.

Love it. 

It may just be my most favorite part of a trip.

I love putting together outfits and combining pieces that are simple, yet cohesive.

My one rule for packing is this: 

PACK MULTI-PURPOSE ITEMS. 

Seriously. 

Do not take an item that you 

can only wear one time - 

take items that can be used 

more than several times! 

The items in the picture above can be worn many, many different ways. 

The mustard colored jacket works with all the items - it also adds a big pop of color. 

The scarf is for necessity, as well as added color. 

Add the mustard colored jacket & pink scarf to the jeans and black crew neck and you have a lovely outfit. 

Use the items 'non-traditionally' - like: Pull the black maxi skirt up to your heart, add the pink belt, mustard jacket & black pumps - You have a fabulous evening look, that you didn't need to pack in a garment bag! 

From the clothing items I have listed, you can wear more than 20 different outfits. 

As far as shoes go, I love shoes. However, when traveling, I stick to THREE PAIRS MAX. 

One comfy (Sperry's!), one pair of cute flats (pink bows!!) & one pair of heels (Just in case...!) 

Jewelry: I love me some jewelry. But, jewelry can be heavy. I pack a pair of stud earrings, pearl drops & a pearl necklace. That really is all a girl needs in her closet, ever. But who can live with just THAT!??? 

The hand bags shown are very multi-purpose. The fabulous quilted Big Buddha can be used to transport all your traveling needs - iPad, wallet, magazines, etc. The clutch fits nicely into the bigger bag. So when you go out in the evenings, instead of hauling the bulky bag - take the clutch with just your necessary items in it! 

How do you pack? Do you have specifics you take with you? 

Next week I will show you just HOW I pack my carry on. It works perfectly, for me! 

Happy Travels, Friends! 

Learning Style

I love Pinterest. 

Who doesn't??? 

I have learned a lot about myself through Pinterest.


I have learned what I love, what I thought I loved, and what my home will {someday hopefully} look like.


I have learned super nifty tricks for cleaning, organizing, cooking, shopping, etc.


One thing that is ever evolving, is my sense of style. While it doesn't necessarily change drastically, it is refined daily. It has added 'hip-trendy' items that enhance the classic items I love.


When you view my 'Couture' pin board, you will find muted colors - blacks - whites - pinks. But, bursts of colors, such as this fabulous look:

I love teal for an added pop of color. Especially on shoes! This beautifully muted cream dress with a hint of teal on the earrings and clutch, then the shoes... Perfection.


Take this classic, strapless black dress from Talbots:

Add those teal heels from up top, and you have a classic outfit that is quite trendy. And easy!

EVERYONE looks good in a well-fitted black dress!  

Add your personal sense of style of shoes and accessories, and that plain LBD is YOURS!



I love a typical 'day at the office' look. I have always dreamed of working in a corner office.... Just to wear the clothes....

Lovely monochromatic browns, with hints of gold jewelry.



Try using the same color throughout your outfit.

Pale pink blouse with a hot pink pencil skirt looks oh so chic, rather than pale pink blouse with plain black skirt. Using a monochromatic color scheme elongates the body, adding a fluidity that can only be achieved with like colors.

monochromatic: of or having ONE color.

Another 'look' that may puzzle people:

The MAXI Dress:

Despite many opinions, Maxi dresses look good on any and everyone. Seriously. Short people, making them look taller. Tall people, enhancing their height with simplicity. 

I absolutely LOVE this look! Simple Maxi dress, belt, scarf & jacket. Comfy, easy, and 'put together.'

What are some of your favorite looks?

Catch-Up Time!

Hey Ya'll!!!!

Well, huh. I have been MIA for quite some time....

Let's catch up:

My mom broke her leg on December 7th, and has been off her leg for the past month+! Today, she got her 'bootie' that she can walk on, with the help of a walker. She will do so well when she gets used to it! I think she is excited to DRIVE again! And, be able to get around without someone having to help her all the time.  


BIG NEWS! 

I became an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay! 

I love it. It is so me. 

Here are a few of my seriously, must-never-live-without products:


THE Miracle Set. It's not a joke when they call it a 'miracle' - It is the best cleanser 'system' I've ever used, my super sensitive skin loves it.

I am also in love with the Microdermabrasion Set - So long fine lines and wrinkles that started making their appearance!!

The next Replenishing Serum + C is wonderful, just wonderful:

When was the last time you used eye makeup remover, washed your face, then looked at the towl to find you still had eye makeup on??? Happened ALL. THE. TIME. Not anymore, my friends! This fabulous Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover gently removes your mascara, eyeliner, shadow, etc. Leaving no oily residue and your eyes clean as can be!

If you know me in real life, you know I love lipstick. As I referenced HERE. I cannot get over how lovely MK Lipstick applies to your lips. And stays! My favorite color is Whipped Berries!

Lots of Love, Dear Ones! Cheers to the New Year and all the amazing things life brings!

XOXO,