I have long struggled with accessorizing my wardrobe, and have finally determined that I was born without that gene.(DANGIT!) Pulling myself together is something I have been trying to do more of after becoming addicted to the TLC show “What Not to Wear“. (BTW, I would be fine if someone wanted to nominate me…!) I realized that part of the reason I never varied in my necklaces was because I had no idea what I had and they were always jumbled together in a mess in my jewelry box. I typically would think of this at the last part of getting ready, as consequently would never bother because of the state of the mess.

I had been “racking” my brain, trying to come up with a reasonably inexpensive alternative that would work and I came up with this idea. A cork board attached to the back of your door (bedroom or closet) with all of your necklaces hanging on the back. I used push pins to hang the necklaces and bracelets, but I am thinking you could use it for other accessories as well. I haven’t figured out to hang my little earrings yet, but when I do, you will be the first to know. I hope you enjoy getting your jewelry organized! - Maja

This is a D-I-Y spice rack that I LOVE! I went on-line looking for a tiered rack that could be expanded, or modified to hold my spices inside the cupboard. After looking for two hours finding nothing, I finally got out my pencil and paper and designed one that, while not pretty is exactly what I was looking for and cost me $3 in materials.

Here’s how I did it:
I got 3 1×2” boards (8 feet in length) and get them cut into 24” pieces. I then stacked them (no glue, no nails) three high in the back. For the next row, I stacked 2, the next 1, and the bottom row was flush with the base of the cabinet. It was a little difficult getting the back spices out without knocking some over, so I ended up doubling each row up. But what I ended up with was exactly what I was looking for, a tiered, modifiable spice rack. The fact that it was so inexpensive made me all the more excited! (As I was doing this on a Saturday night, I was mocked mercilessly from my husband – but every time I look in the cupboard, it makes me smile that I am such a nerd!!)

***Click to see more pictures of this DIY project (more…)

This week Maja is dishing about how to create a fun and organized space for your children in their bedroom. Make their rooms a space that is all their own, and use these handy tips for creating a childhood haven:

1. Toys are Outta there!
2. Find the magic - do some magazine research and discover the special touches that will make it all theirs
3. Age appropriate - this means adding drawer latches for things that are hands-off to them
4. Keep in mind the height of your children - make things accessible that they will need and want
5. Picture their ability for keeping things organized. What will work for them? Give them duties to keep their room tidy and instill a sense of pride and contribution in them.
6. Have them make their own beds - they are capable (come back later and tighten it up if needed, but allow them to do it and feel good)
7. Get Your stuff OUT of their closet! (Kids stuff only and extra bedding for their beds.)

Make your child’s room a safe, relaxing haven for rest, reading and cuddle time.

A dream of mine would be to inspire each of you to keep the bulk of your children’s toys out of their bedroom. To a few of our readers this may sound a bit backwards, and of course I understand it may not work if you don’t have a family room or basement, however for the rest of us the idea has a lot of merit for a number of reasons:

1. The first reason is that it keeps your little ones bedroom as a good place for a time-out. If there are tempting toys in there, your child’s room doesn’t make a time-out effective, it’s just way too fun in there!
2. It designates their room a place to sleep, calm, and read (isn’t that what bedrooms are for?)
3. Can’t help but keep the bedroom tidy and uncluttered.
4. Helps to encourage your children to play together outside of their bedroom – they then have to be in the same room together, and I believe that this helps foster little relationships.
5. (This is the most important one) It helps you keep an eye on your kids so that they don’t get into trouble!

Some children need a few comfort toys in their rooms and that is definitely ok, but try to keep the toy clutter it to a minimum. It will save your sanity. Your life of keeping things organized, and your children’s space staying tidy will get a lot easier.

Continuing with our “Office” theme this week I wanted to share a tip for email efficiency. Aim to reply to e-mails within a couple days of reading them. This is something I have never been great at, BUT this is one of my personal New Years Resolutions. In my case, I often sit down to read them when I don’t have time to respond right then. The problem is that you then aren’t thinking of responding the next time you log on and read something else! I have seen the error of my ways and have resolved to not read e-mails until I have time to respond as well. It is far better to write people back in a timely matter - it shows that you are on top of your TIME as well as your belongings.

One of the great things about belonging to a community like the Savvy Organizer, is that we can help support each other in all areas of organization. Sometimes I am in need of support too - so feel free to offer suggestions and support this way as well! Good luck (for me and the rest of you too!!)