THE AUTOMATED LIFE

We really do live in a technologically advanced world. There are so many "smart" tricks you can use here and there to make your life easier and to take some stress off that old noggin...perhaps wallet even.  Remember when we couldn't wait to live like they did in the Jetsons or the future part of Back to the Future 2? Well, the future is here people so lets embrace it. And coming from a girl who wrote a blog entitled, Technology Hates Me, you can trust that if I'm using these time savers then they're simple and easy enough to adapt to your own life.

Perhaps most obvious of them all is online banking. Not only can you set up your accounts to be paid right from your checking or saving account but you can set the day on which you'd like them paid. This saves you time and money by helping you avoid late fees. Some companies actually charge "convenience fees" for mailing you a monthly bill.  Rude. If you get set up online in their system you can save $5/month, $60/year on this ridiculous fee (read your bills carefully).

The auto timer on my AC is a magnificent feature that I've started using since I've gone back to work. I turn off the air just before I leave in the morning and set them to turn back on 10 hours later. I come home and the air is perfectly chilled. I haven't gotten a bill for the time I've been doing this but I'm willing to bet its going to be significantly less than $110/month. I'm obsessed with the feature now; if I leave for more than 3 hours I use it. It's like a money saving game and I'm hooked.

I began ordering prescriptions over the phone a few months ago because my insurance changed and I basically didn't have a choice. I don't know WHY I never did before. I get 3 months delivered right to my door at once and all I have to do is hit a few buttons on the phone. All of my info is stored in the system so the call only lasts literally 3 minutes then I go about my day. No more waiting in line at the pharmacy to drop off, then having to go back "20 minutes" later to pick up? Check please!

Finally, get your groceries delivered if you want a good hour or two of your life per week back. I admit, I don't use a delivery service often but when I do I wonder why I don't use it more. It's so simple and fast! Definitely use a list when you go online, however, or you could be looking at food for hours. Like food is that interesting? Plus the list ensures that you buy only what you need and not a lifetime supply of Pop Tarts. You can even create a "staples" list so you can automatically replenish when you need them. Set a delivery date and time and you're done. No more wasted trips to the store, ugh: waiting in line, lugging bags into the house. All you have to do is put the stuff away. 

With so many options to lead a simpler and less expensive life it's silly not to partake.  And if you can put some errands on autopilot why wouldn't you? I think we naturally enjoy complaining to friends about the stressors in our lives and then bragging about how much we're able to get done. Because we're sick in the heads. Personally? I like to brag about how little I do. But that's just me.

MHM! #obsession

Today I have to give it up for Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day.  I use a few of their products here and there and I love them (if only for the scents alone - Basil is my fave).  But a bonus, the cleaners are mostly natural, and the containers are recyclable and made from 25% post consumer plastic.  I love how I can clean my apartment and not have to worry about my son putting his hand on things I've just cleaned and then in his mouth.

While there are so many products to choose from, I use the counter top spray and hand and dish soaps mainly.  I love the hand soap because it makes my hands smell delish, and the dish soap makes doing dishes worth doing.  I've tried the plug in air fresheners and am about to get some candles.  They're soy based and have extended burn time (35 hrs).  I've gotten them as gifts for friends in the past and they've given rave reviews so I know I won't be disappointed.  I figure since I love the scents so much I may as well go full tilt, no?

Check out the site if you're interested.  There are so many more products and scents that they carry.

www.mrsmeyers.com

SNAIL IT

This is a good one.  I hate, hate, hate when piles of mail get stacked up.  There is absolutely no need for it.  People, go through your mail before you miss an invite to a party or before you’re late on a bill.  I’m kind of obsessive about it but usually my mail is sorted (and most likely opened) by the time I’m inside of my apartment.

Personal mail gets opened first (mostly because I can’t believe I’m receiving it) and then hung on the fridge as a reminder (schedule a party, buy a present, change someone’s contact info, etc) and entered into my phone accordingly.  Junk mail is torn then thrown in the recycling.  Catalogs are put in a pile to go through – I have to read every catalog I come across (even if it’s a catalog for professional grade bicycles).  Bills get opened and tossed on top of my computer to be entered into my Bill Schedule ASAP.

It’s so simple and clutter-stopping to deal with the mail first thing.  Just go through it and get rid of it.  No more mail piles allowed!

REPURPOSED WITH LOVE

There are times when clutter can be sentimental (so I guess clutter isn’t the best word in this case, maybe loving assortment).  I’m not always so heartless and eager to get rid of crap: there are ways you can get creative with the things you can’t bear to part with, consolidating them in such a way that saves space or turning them into something you needed anyway.

One genius idea I saw for the first time on Home by Novogratz.  Take kids’ artwork, scan it to your computer, and print it out as one large collage and frame it.  The Novogratz team used artist Jan Eleni to pull their collage off, but with a little patience you can do it yourself. 

Another idea is to turn your photos into artwork.  Search "personalized photo necklaces" on Etsy.com.  Or, instead of making another photo album that you’ll probably only look at once every five years, print and hang your pics on the wall in a huge collage.  Blow them up in black and white or really bright colors and make a gallery that’s interesting to look at.  It’ll make you smile every time you walk into the room.

Third idea is mine.  When it became decision time for my son’s old baby blankets (donate, store, or repurpose), I knew I had to get creative because he loved those blankets and I didn’t want them to go away.  I was redoing his room at the time so I thought, throw pillows.  When I Googled “how to sew a throw pillow cover”, I came upon the site www.cottagemagpie.com and in “10 easy steps” I learned how to turn these cute little blankets into cool pillows.  It was super easy to follow and, though I sewed everything by hand (I don’t do enough sewing to warrant owning a sewing machine), it was a fairly quick project.  And the pillows came out great and the little guy loves snuggling with them.  It makes me happy that I wasn’t so heartless with this one. 

  

MHM! #obsession

My MHM! #obsession for the week is City Slips by Sporto.  As I got into the elevator to head home last Friday I glanced down at my flip flopped feet and, while I was comfy, I felt very underdressed.  I'm sure no one really cared, but I did - and I should've.

I've had my eye on these cute flats for a while and last week's episode finally pushed me over to the buying side.  They're foldable flats that you "slip" on then off as needed.  And because they're foldable you can fit them in your bag.  They also come with an expandable travel bag that you can throw your heels into once you've had enough of them and want to change into the City Slips.

For $29.95 you have your choice of colors and patterns.  Check out their site to get your own: www.cityslips.com

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

It’s happened, and I’m OK admitting it because admitting something is the first step on the road to recovery.  And I know it’s happened to you too, you can fess up.  I’ve had to go to the bathroom and there’s no toilet paper.  Anywhere.  I mean, in my four-room apartment that’s kind of hard to imagine, but what can I say?  So I grab a napkin, paper towel, whatever, and hope the toilet doesn’t clog and/or overflow…again.  Eff!

So here’s what to do so you don’t find yourself mopping up toilet water or fighting with the plunger again (someone should teach a class on proper plunging, btw).  Determine what your limit is on daily use products and never drop below that number.  I’ve since decided that I need at least 2 rolls of toilet paper on hand in my apartment at all times.  Once I put roll #2 on the rod and roll #1 is sitting lonely under the cabinet, I add TP to my shopping list and grab it on my next shopping run.  It’s planning genius.

Obviously this idea translates to any product in your house that gets regular use.  You see what you're using up daily so it's easy to keep track of what you need and when.  Once you determine that you need one and a half deodorants on hand at all times and you realize that the half is running out, put it on your list, buy it the next time you're out, and viola!  No more emergency runs to the drugstore on your way to work.

Try this with paper towels, coffee, milk, detergent, shampoo, bath soap...anything really.  What's so great about this system is that it essentially becomes a no brainer after a while.  One less thing to think about?  Perfect. 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

We celebrate Santa in my family and every year I’m determined to start slash finish shopping early.  Like, early meaning that I’m not shopping on Christmas Eve.  That’s right, I totally procrastinate when it comes to holiday shopping.  I won’t use the word unorganized because once I finally get to it, I’m totally regimented and I get down to business: gift lists, stores to visit, wrapping paper breakdown.  It’s no joke.  But the shopping issue can definitely be categorized as procrastination and there has to be something behind it.  Something had to have happened to me as a kid during the holidays that I’ve blocked from my memory because I do this every freaking year.

So, here's my plan for this year, the grand scheme if you will.  I’m challenging myself to start and finish early for real.  And, of course, I’ve broken it down into tasks by month.  1) Excel list (natch) with names & gift ideas done by the end of this month.  2) Shopping started by August, finished by October.  3) Gifts wrapped by November.  Think I can swing it?  I’ll sure try.  I’m usually pretty good once I put pressure on myself and have a plan in action so I'm feeling good about this. 

You know I’ll post my trials and tribulations via FB and Twitter, maybe add addendums here.  And friends and family, don’t for a minute think I’m going to list actual gifts on here.  Nice try.

Only problem?  Where to store everything once I have it.  Maybe I can turn that into another challenge as I go.  Oh, and feel free to join me on this journey if you'd like - or I'm down for some free advice if you have any.  You can post here if you're so inclined.

MHM! #obsession

It happened again: I was inspired walking down the street last week...I saw someone in flip flops (obv, it's summer) and I remembered THE best pair that I've ever owned and decided to make it this week's Must Have Monday!

The Kai Kai Montauk Arch Sandal!  It's sold online or in stores in Montauk, NY (where I got mine), Block Island, RI, or Key West, FL.  If you're lucky enough to be going to one of those relaxing vaca spots, look them up.  If not, go online and check them out at www.kaikaisandal.com.

The $60 price tag may be a little off putting for some, but it's totally worth it because you might find yourself living in these bad boys.  The suede is so comfy and the bottom of the sandal literally forms to your foot.  They're not fancy by any means (I don't recommend wearing them to any black tie affairs you have lined up) but they're perfect for heading to the beach, lounging around the house, commuting to work...that sort of thing.  I'm falling in love all over again just talking about them.  I'll need to reorder before summer's over!

                

 

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT

…or receipts in this case.  But wait, “wouldn’t that be clutter?” you say.  Not if they’re acting as insurance policies for your new stuff.  Get a mini accordion folder or this really cute Semikolon Business Card Box (below) I found at www.seejanework.com for your receipts and keep them in there until the “right time”.

Right time = you actually wear your new shirt and like it, the bed you bought your son is finally set up slash not falling apart (not quite there yet, hence still hanging on to that gem), or you truly love the bag that you were on the fence about in the store, etc.

Once you’re certain your product is everything you dreamed of and more, then recycle the receipt.  Unless it’s for the 52” flat screen you dropped a lot of cash on.  Then the receipt permanently moves into your filing cabinet under the “Appliances” section.  Duh.

SAY CHEESE!

I used to tear pages out of magazines of things I found inspiring or simply wanted to buy.  Just trust me that I can shop like a pro and leave it at that.  My tear sheets quickly started getting out of control though.  They started piling on top of my bureau and I’d move them from one spot to another, convincing myself that the new spot was less in the way, but I wasn’t fooling anyone.  I didn’t want to put them away because then I wouldn’t see them and, you know what they say, out of sight, out of mind.  Kind of defeats the purpose of “getting inspired”.

I decided to take these sheets and make them into inspiration boards to hang on the inside of my closet door.  You’ve seen what I’m talking about in magazines (like a collage)…or think Pinterest (that’s right, I basically invented Pinterest).  I loved it!  These photos were giving me motivation to change things up every time I got dressed in the morning.  And yet, this was turning into a real project and I started to dread putting these boards together.  I had all these tear sheets coming (I wasn’t going to stop my favorite obsession) but I didn’t have the time to put the actual boards together.  In fact, it got to the point where I didn’t want to keep up with my boards anymore.  It was too much of a stresser and was becoming work.  Buzz kill.

Then I had an epiphany…years later.  Take photos of the things I love in magazines, in stores, anywhere I go.  I then organize my photos by category and what I intend to do with them.  Things I’m going to buy soon I keep on my phone so I can reference them in-store and on the go.  Things that I’m working toward (like the pic of the desk that will replace the bookshelf once the ex gets around to moving it out of here) live in iPhoto.  Maybe it’s digital clutter but hey, it’s not taking up any space in my world so I’m OK with it.

MHM! #obsession

It's Must Have Monday time, kids!  I can't believe I didn't think of this one sooner, but most of my posts and tweets pop into my head as I go about my day.  I've been using this product for over ten years - my friend Sherry and I used to go crazy for it.  I forget who got whom addicted to it, but when we worked together it was a staple in our office.  While I was just out shopping last Friday for replacements and realized that I had to spread the word.

L'Occitane's Hand Cream with Shea Butter needs to be a staple in everyone's bag, medicine cabinet, and desk.  I keep the small 1 oz ($10) in my purse and I just bought the large 5.2 oz ($28) for my desk at work.  The formula is a unique combination of rich & light; it keeps hands perfectly moisturized without getting greasy.  And the faint powder smell is delish.  L'Occitane makes a handful of other scents in the Hand Cream too but I've yet to try them.  I've tested in store and, sure they smell great, but I hear that the formula isn't as thick.  I'm all about sticking to what I like but you should check them out for yourself: www.loccitane.com   

I used to get frustrated with the big tube because it's metal and as it wears it tends to crack (read: lotion oozes out).  In talking to the sales woman this time around she introduced me to the "Magic Key" ($5).  If it does what she says it does then it truly is magic.  You put it at the end of the tube to roll as you go (see tag in photo).  It's supposed to stop all creasing and cracking, and I bet it will really do the trick.

Like it needed to get any better?

LET'S GO CRAZY

Things get lost, life happens, I get it.  Especially if you have kids, those crazy buggers.  I can honestly say I’ve only lost maybe a handful of things in my whole life.  Well, maybe since I was old enough to be accountable for things.  I’m not holding 6 year old Sarah to the fire here.

“Yeah, it’s because you’re compulsive,” you’re saying.  Damn straight it is, I’m crazy compulsive.  But I tell you what - I’d rather be considered crazy than be out shopping for replacements over and over again hoping that this will be the time that Product X doesn’t disappear on me.  Hold up, what’s the definition of insanity?

If you’re constantly misplacing, then I know you’re constantly re-buying things that you wouldn’t have to if only you had a better system.  Drop the keys in a catchall like the stylish one from Potterybarn (below top), or try a cute lacquer box from West Elm (below bottom) to add a pop of color to your entry table.  If you put your work ID in the back pocket of your bag as soon as you leave the office, it’ll quickly become habit and then soon enough will always be there.  Swear to God.  And if Timmy’s school bag goes on the hook on his door each night, I’m thinking it’ll be there in the morning.  Ahh.  You’re saving time and money already.

Who’s crazy now??

TECHNOLOGY HATES ME

There's one part of life I'd rather have nothing to do with organizing and that's technology.  I dream of a world where phones come pre set with apps I'll love, my music up/downloaded and sorted into amazing playlists, my contacts already set with emails, cells, birthdays, addresses, and shoe sizes.  The new quadruple threat copy/print/scan/fax machine I got?  I hate that it's not smart enough to set itself up.  Honestly.  The fax that I specifically got it for is totally irrelevant now and I should stop worrying about even sending it out.  It sucks.

Technology isn't my thing so I don't care to spend the time figuring it out. If it’s not point and click (read: instant gratification) it’s going to be a long time before it’s functioning at it’s fullest potential in my house.  Why can’t it just work that way, btw?  Point & click?  I feel like the tech geeks of the world (all due respect) are smart enough to make things that easy for us tech losers.  Are you guys just messing with us commoners because you can?  I honestly think you like to see us struggle (I see how the Apple Geniuses smirk once they've helped me with what I consider a "serious problem".  They’re definitely getting joy out of my stupidity.  As they should be – I would if the tables were turned).

I’ve half-heartedly searched in the past for a technology organizer and they don’t seem to exist.  I know what some of you are thinking, but I don’t want a monthly membership.  I want a Technology Superhero who can jump in at a moment’s notice to help me get set up anytime I get a new device.  Too much to ask?  Well unless I find this elusive tech organizer I'm always going to feel lost in a world of technology disorganization. Which, as you can imagine, drives me crazy.  And I’ll always feel bad for my amazing devices.  They have great potential and I’m totally holding them back.  So Tech Superhero, if you're out there give me a shout. 

MHM! #obsession

My son is starting school today (OK, daycare but we're calling it school) and everything that he brings in the door has to be labeled.  I get it, but it's kind of ridiculous.  Like, I know what I should be going home with everyday, but whatever.  In my search to get labels that would last but be cute at the same time, I came across today's Must Have Monday!

The company is called Label Your Stuff www.labelyourstuff.com and they have every kind of customizable label that you can imagine.  Simple lunch box and bag tags, waterproof options, shoe tags, clothing labels (goodbye permanent marker), book tags, allergy labels, they've literally thought of it all.

I tried not to go too crazy with the labels because I don't want to be "that mom" but at the same time I don't want his name written all over his stuff in black marker.  That's not cool either.  I also love that the labels have customizable designs so kids feel like they're stuff is special.  Don't worry, they also have adult designs if you want a luggage tag or whatever - you don't have to walk around with a construction truck tag hanging off of your carryon.

Definitely a winner for me, and I'm pretty sure the teachers will give me a gold star for following directions.  I know school's over for everyone but camps are starting.  Definitely worth checking out the site for...