Organizing 101

A new year is here! I don’t know about you, but January always makes me itch to organize, simplify, throw away and rearrange. It’s a fresh start. A chance to make this year even better than the last. To enjoy every moment with less stuff to distract you. Here’s a couple of things you’ll find me doing this weekend.

Papers-recycle any papers you don’t need long term; expired coupons, old invitations, out of date school calendars.

Purse-dump everything out and only put back what you need. Go through your wallet and file or throw away any receipts you no longer need. How many lip colors do you really need to carry around every day? Keep only your favorites!

Magazines-make it a rule to throw out the previous issue when the new issue comes in. Or like me, read it and throw it away or pass it on to someone who would enjoy it.

Pantry-take everything out, wipe down the shelves, throw away any expired food or food that doesn't fit in your 2016 diet and reorganize as you put things back in.

Shoes- Weed out any shoes that are uncomfortable or beyond repair. Polish any shoes that need it.

Laundry room-often the catch all for those odd items that may not have a place and especially after the craziness of the holidays. Remove everything from the room, wipe down the washer and dryer, clean out the lint trap and then evaluate everything that goes back into the room. Maybe you even need to consider painting the walls a fresh new color before putting things back in.

Clothes-after all of the holiday parties there are probably some items that need to go to the dry cleaners or need some mending. Give away anything you haven’t worn in the past year or no longer like. There are several challenges out there in regards to clothing. The Capsule Wardrobe, 30 day challenge and Project 333 to name a few. There are even apps that can help you create outfits out of things already in your closet.

When in doubt, ask yourself these questions.

1.Do I really need this?

2.Do I love it?

3.Do I already have something else that will work?

4.Do I use it regularly?

5.Where am I going to put it?

6.How hard would it be to replace this item someday if I needed to?

I’d love to hear what your favorite January organizing tasks are. Send me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com.

Middle East Design Finds

Last summer I had the opportunity to travel to some Middle Eastern and European countries and experience some once in a lifetime experiences. Two experiences I would like to share with you and how it fit into my design life.

The first experience was in Cairo, Egypt at the Khan el-Khalili. The Khan el-Khalili is mainly occupied by Egyptian merchants selling souvenirs, antiques, jewelry and spices.

In addition to shops, there are several coffeehouses, restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. The Khan is a beautiful assault on your senses-the smells of exotic spices and beautiful things to see at every turn. What caught my friends and my eye was these beautiful punched metal lights. Metal fashioned into hanging pendant lights that had tiny holes punch in a beautiful design over the entire exterior. Once illuminated, it radiates a beautiful glow. We haggled for a while with the shop owner and finally got the price down to something we were comfortable with. I can't wait to hang my new light in my house and remember my fabulous trip!

The second fun experience was in Istanbul, Turkey at the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is massive market, covering acres of space. Jewelry, souvenirs, linens, spices, Turkish delight, rugs, antiques and knockoff bags galore. You could spend days in that place! I came to Istanbul hoping that I would return home with a rug. So, we walked into many rug shops. The culture of hospitality in Turkey is that the shop owner will offer you a hot apple tea or Turkish coffee and ask you to sit awhile while they pull down rug after rug from these tall stacks lining the walls. They will spread the rugs out on the floor for you too see the entire pattern and compare colors. Boy, are were there some beautiful rugs!  But unfortunately, I couldn't bring them all home. After viewing hundreds of rugs, I finally found "the one." It brings me such delight when I see it in my living room every day.

Travel is so fun! And bringing home something that you can practically use in your home every day is a great reminder of your exciting experiences. Have you purchased any fun items for your home during your travels? I'd love to hear! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com