Get organized with Mead OrganizHer Collection

"Busy Busy Busy!!"
That's what a lot of women, especially moms, say if you ask "What have you been up to?"

I am always looking for better and easier ways to get my home organized, keep track of ball games, practices, school events, vacation, Bridget coming to visit {squeal} and everything else life throws at us!
Most of us women juggle multiple schedules, long to-do list, budget tracking and meal planning --not just for one person, but for many.

Mead certainly thought of everything when they designed the OrganizHer line of products. They have developed functional, flexible and fashionable products to assist with just about every organizational need.

You can use OrganizHer products alone or in a system all with one goal in mind.....to help you gain control! To keep your life organized!

OrganizHer Products Include:

Customizable Solutions
Whether it’s a Shopping Companion to manage your “to-buys”, a Family Organizer for all your planning and scheduling needs, or an Expense Tracker, these OrganizHer products feature Tech Lock® technology – rings that open and close easily so you can add, subtract and customize with your own documents or free downloadable templates available at Mead.com

Calendars/Time Management
We know how hard it is to keep track of a family’s busy life, as well as what’s for dinner. With OrganizHer’s time management products like the Month-to-Month Family Wall Calendar and On-the-Go Family Planner, you can plan ahead while keeping today’s priorities in close view.

Meal Planning
Keep track of your shopping list and plan meals for the week ahead with OrganizHer’s convenient Write-n-Wipe Meal Center and Meal Planning Magnetic Notepad. Both products easily hang on a fridge for convenient access when and where you need it most.

On-the-Go Solutions
The portable sizes of OrganizHer’s On-the-Go Memo Book and Stay-in-Touch Address Book are perfect for a purse, briefcase or diaper bag, allowing you to take your planning anywhere!

I was given the chance to check out a few items that are truly helpful and have a lot to offer for any busy household!

Family Organizer ($14.99)

This is the best of OrganizHer systems combined into one central, portable planner for all your organizational needs. Undated weekly calendar pages allow for All Me, All Them and Chow planning. Additional sections contain: Menu planning/shopping list worksheets; important information trackers; zipper pouches for expenses, coupons and other documents; business card/shopping card older sheet; and a repositionable bookmark.

They seriously thought of everything with this little organizer. Anything and everything happening in my life has a neat little spot in this binder. As much as I love my Google calendar, I’m still a pencil and paper type of girl, and I also love that you can download additional planning pages at Mead’s website.

Undated On-The-Go Family Planner ($9.99)

Perfectly sized for those on the go, this memo book’s pages allow for a custom header – by subject or date – and a bulleted to-do list for calling out priorities.

I love that this is undated, so it doesn’t matter what time of the year you start using it! And it's size makes it perfect for a purse, briefcase or diaper bag, allowing you to take your planning anywhere!

Week to Week Magnetic Notepad ($6.99)

Multi-tasking made easy! This handy notepad keeps the week ahead in clear view. Each page features an undated weekly calendar on the front and a to-do list on the back. This flexible system gives you plenty of room for planning. Hang it on any magnetic surface or tear off each week’s page to keep with you on the go.

This gives you a weeks worth of space to write down games, chores, appointments, etc. and you have a section for yourself and a section for your family members. The back also contains a To-Do List!

Write ‘N Wipe Meal Center ($7.99)

A weekly meal planning dry erase grid plus an attached paper “shopping list” notepad makes this a complete meal center. Magnetic so it can conveniently hang on your fridge, this meal center helps organize lunch and dinner menus as well as any groceries that are needed. Dry erase pen with eraser attached.

After grocery shopping, I like to keep a list of meals on the fridge! This magnetic write 'n wipe meal center looks so much nicer than a scribbled piece of paper and I can make a grocery list at the same time! Helps with the annoying daily question of “mom, what’s for dinner”.

On the Go Memo Book ($2.99)

Perfectly sized for those on the go, this memo book’s pages allow for a custom header – by subject or date – and a bulleted to-do list for calling out priorities.

This nifty little book provides me a place to jot down things and make lists while I am out and about, which keeps my thoughts organized!

Buy It

All of the Mead OrganizHer products shown and many more are available at most Target stores nationwide ranging from in price from $2.99 to $15.99

*Product was provided free of charge in exchange for review from Mead. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

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I'm Lovin' It - Baking Organization

Welcome to the Party!! I'm Lovin' It is a party I host at the end of each week to celebrate things that makes us happy....things we are loving! Please share anything from a new(or old) product, to a recipe, a picture you took, a project, or even your children or family.....really anything that you would like to share that you are loving right now!!

This week I'm loving how organized I'm getting my kitchen.

With my new hobbies of decorating cookies and cupcakes, I have quickly accumulated quite a stash of supplies. My cabinets were bulging.

I knew I had to come up with another system.

A few weeks ago I picked up one of these four drawer storage units at Target and I LOVE it!
The bottom drawer stores all of my cookie cutters, sprinkles and cupcake papers in the next drawer, tips and bags above that and food coloring gels in the top! I even found a perfect spot for it in my kitchen right next to my stove.

I love that I have everything I need within my reach, easy to see and all organized!

Now it’s your turn, let us know what you’re lovin' this week! If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link below. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the MckLinky form below (need help with finding the permalink? click here to see a great post Darcy wrote on this!)
   
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to this post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is loving today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the banner to your posts or blog if you'd like.
   
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!!
   
4. Let me know if you have any questions, problems or need help!
   

Linky Tools will stay open until May 2, 2010 11pm CST.

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in I'm Lovin' It Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.

<a href="http://www.tidymom.net"><img border="0" src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k190/tidymom/my%20blog%20stuff/layout%20stuff/Imlovinit_button.png" /></a>

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Peter Walsh - It's All too Much DVD {Review}

I'm sure many of you know Peter Walsh, he's been on The Oprah Winfrey Show helping people declutter their homes. He's also written a few best-selling books about clutter and organization.

Well now, Peter can come to your home, with the DVD version of his best seller, "It's All Too Much"

Peter is all about organization, and he teaches you and your children how to get organized and STAY organized!

I was recently given the opportunity to review Peter's DVD and his book, It's All Too Much, and honestly, I have learned quite a bit about organizing.

This year I have resolved to bring a little order to our lives and our home. You see, I might be tidy, but lack organization skills!

The book is aimed towards preteens and teens. I couldn't get my 13 year old to touch the book, but I sure read it. She SHOULD have read it, because we all know she needs every ounce of help she can get when it comes to organization, but then, don't most all teens? I shared his funny, down-to-earth tips and solutions for common clutter with her, including the step by step guides to help her get through them.

The full length DVD was a GREAT visual!! Peter spends more than an hour on tips, techniques and encouragement that will help you declutter every room in your house. He first shows you how to declutter, then takes you room by room to offer tips as to how to keep everything in its place and how to keep it that way.

Peter is known for his positive, fun-loving approach to organizing your home, life and mind. This is all brought to life in his new DVD, which you can preview HERE!

If you've got clutter and don't know how to start THIS IS IT!

Buy it!

You can also connect with Peter Walsh on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure: I was sent the Peter Walsh "It is All Too Much" DVD and Book to review. I was not compensated for this review. These are my own honest opinions and experience with the products. The Amazon link is my affiliate link.

How Does She? {feature}

Over the holidays I found so many "new to me" blogs. Sometimes I find a blog that makes me just want more!........before I know it and hour (or two, ahem) has gone by as I search threw every corner, every word and every picture they have posted, just devouring the creativity!!

That's exactly how I felt when I found How Does She? This site is full of fantastic ideas that I cannot get enough of! It is loaded with all sorts of great and fun ideas!

The genius behind HowDoesShe.com are three amazing women who started their blog to help themselves and other women become better mothers, better wives, better women. They are always asking, “How Does She do this, or How Does She do that”? While none of us is perfect, we all seem to be striving to become better. From balancing a healthy lifestyle, to throwing the perfect party, to implementing creative ideas with family.

Shelley is a spunky mother of three and an interior design guru who manages to flirt with her husband while balancing twin babies, a toddler, and her coupon binder.

Missy is a mother of three (with one on the way) who holds a degree in English and in ticking people off. She is also very talented at taking professional pictures?take a look, you will agree!

Alison is a mother of four, a craft genius, and a bossy business savvy extraordinaire who trys to find ways to make puke all over the carpet funny.

How do they do it all? I am seriously impressed and hooked on their blog!

They just posted this unique Valentine idea that I fell in LOVE with!!
Why I Love You Pillows!
Alison kicks off Valentines day in her house the first day in February by putting these pillows on her kids bed. Then for 14 days she and her husband leave love notes in them about why they love them. ~She also shares how you can make your own Why I Love You Pillows.

Shelly shows us how to make this fabulous Floating Frame! Just think what a wonderful gift this would make for an anniversary, wedding, or mothers/fathers day!

They have lots of organization ideas and running your household!!

like this unique inbox!

A huge list of organization tips!

Birthday Cards......Never be late again!

and of course........there are RECIPES!

YUM!

Dipped Oreo Suckers!

They've done a wonderful job collecting lots of Valentine Treat ideas

ok, ok..........enough of my gushing.........

head over to How Does She? and see for yourself!

Don Aslett Housework Books & GIVEAWAY!

After my post Tips for a Tidy Home , I had a lot of people contact me letting me know they've been applying some of those tips to their home with great success!!

It is not as difficult as it may seem to keep a home that is well organized, tidy and clean. Just remember.... it will not happen overnight . Unfortunately there is no way to avoid housework. But you can keep your house clean and tidy if you just get organized.

Don Aslett, America's #1 Cleaning Expert and founder of one of the country's largest cleaning firms, Varsity Contractors, is one of my new sponsors.

Aslett has written over 40 books and sold millions on cleaning topics, including
Clutter's Last stand - “the book that convinces you to declutter.” With a nonstop sense of humor and hundreds of hilarious illustrations, it lays out the case for dejunking, dramatically demonstrating how clutter invades and affects every area of our homes and lives.

and Do I Dust or Vacuum First? -Don uses an entertaining Q&A format to provide quick and easy answers to the most frequently asked questions about housecleaning. With Don's practical, inexpensive solutions, you'll maximize your energy and minimize your efforts—and get any job anywhere done in half the time. You'll also learn strategies to prevent housework and earn more free time for yourself. So, Do I dust or vacuum first? I guess you'll have to read the book to find out!

Right now if any of my readers order any of Don's books and you mention that you are a TidyMom reader, you will receive a FREE Microfiber Dust Cloth with your purchase!! Just click the button below or over on my sidebar.

Oh yeah..........I mentioned a GIVEAWAY didn't I?!

Aslett Books has generously offered to send 4 TidyMom readers one of Don's books.

We will be giving away one copy of each of the following books

(click the title to read more about each book)

Make Your House do the Housework

No Time To Clean

How to Handle 1,000 Things at Once

For Packrats Only

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
How to Enter:
(Remember leave a new comment for each entry. Each comment is an entry, so if you do several things, but only leave one comment, you would only be entered once instead of several times- you can enter up to 6 times, so you would leave 6 comments)

REQUIRED:

1.Leave a comment on this post letting me know what is your favorite (or what you think would be your favorite) Don Aslett book. (be sure to leave your email address if you don't have a blog)

Extra Entries: -( leave a separate comment letting me know )

2. Blog about the giveaway.

3. Follow Me on Twitter @TidyMom

4. Tweet about it. Don Aslett Housework Books Giveaway! @TidyMom to enter visit http://tidymomof2.blogspot.com

5. Add my button to your blog. (on the right)

6. Follow my blog, or Subscribe

Contest Ends on November 6, 2009 at 11:59pm (CT).

Lamp makeover

Cute, huh?........YUCK!

We acquired this old bankers lamp several years ago and I have never liked how it looks, but I like the light it give me at my desk.

A few weeks ago I thought I'd see if I could make it look a little better, so I painted the brass base black!

Much better!!

Anyone know if you can paint glass?

The green glass is ugly, but it does look better with the black base.

*The Nester is having a little lamp party today. Head over there to see even more lamp transformations.

A FRESH NEW LOOK!

Tadaa!!! I can't believe it's finally D O N E!

I'm almost too tired to write this post, I've spent weeks working on this new look, and the last several days I've spent hours on end, but I do have to say I'm please with the outcome! I wanted something Fresh, Clean and unCluttered.

Cathe Holden of Home Grown Logos is my hero and an incredibly talented graphic artist! She worked her magic and came up with a new blog header that I love!

Cathe is the wife of a fireman and the mom of 3 great kids ages 11, 11 and 13. She works from home as a graphic designer in Northern California’s beautiful countryside. Her blog, Just Something I Made, is a combination of craft and design inspiration.

While Cathe was working on my header, I started digging for every Blogger tutorial I could find.

There are some amazing tutorials all over the web, so with a little time and patience I made some fun changes to my blog.

*moved my sidebars around and made them and the post area larger

*made a navigation bar (under my header)

*made the Blogger Nav bar hidden (peek-a-boo)

*made new graphics for my sidebars

*added a search box

*made a TidyMom button, and a "Grab My Button" box

*made my Archives and Labels into drop down menu boxes

*I made these and learned how to install them at the bottom of the pages

*made a new signature

*installed the scalloped line as a post divider

*added extra text to where you leave comments, added the "thought bubble" graphic and when you hover your mouse there is a pop up box telling you "click here to view/post comment"

*when I leave a comment in my comments, they will be shadded green. So it's easy to see my replies to comments.

*numbered my comments (this will be so handy for contests)

*changed the format of how the date looks next to each post title

*made some new pages (all of the pages in the navigation bar)

WHEW!! I think that's all! LOL

So what do you think?

Click around. Try it out! Tell me if I'm missing anything or if something isn't working.

Some of these changes will only take place in new posts, like the numbered comments and the shading in my reply comments and my new signature.

Below are links to some of the places where I found the tutorials, if you have questions about specific things I did - just leave a comment or email me and I'll see if I have the direct link to the tutorial you're looking for.

http://www.bloggerbuster.com

http://techtnt2008.blogspot.com/search/label/Blogger

http://bloggeruniversity.blogspot.com

http://beautifulbeta.blogspot.com

http://www.blogbulk.com

http://sneakymommablogdesign.blogspot.com

http://www.blogspottutorial.com

http://bloggingwithsuccess.net

http://www.addthis.com/web-button-select

http://tricks-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com

http://www.2createawebsite.com/build/hex-colors.html

[IN]PLACE System by Peter Walsh (Giveaway-CLOSED)

I may like things "tidy" but when it comes to "organizing" I sometimes struggle. Remember my post about my office? I don't have any "real" organization other than a few filing cabinets. There are usually papers, notes and junk all over the top of the desk. When it comes to organizing this space, I'm a mess.

On April 2nd, 2009, I jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to take part in an interactive webcast about home office organization with Office Max's Julie Kreuger and Peter Walsh. Peter Walsh is an organization expert, a well-known author, frequent guest on Oprah, and host of the TLC show Clean Sweep.

During the one hour webcast we were given tips, advice, and questions were answered about how to make this new filing system functional for a mom’s life and home office.

I was thrilled when my question was the first question addressed by Peter and Julie. (although I don't think Peter thought I seriously had a 10' desk LOL). I asked how to keep a desk of that size organized, especially when I don't have any drawers or cabinets, only shelves above my desk.

Peter's Response: "Think of your office desk like a vehicle, everything you need close at hand"

When asked what products should first be purchased when trying to organize an office, Peter's surprising response was "Nothing" The first step in getting organized has nothing to do with products. It is all about the vision that you have for your home office, what is to take place in the space, clear the clutter, THEN think about what products are needed. If you would like to hear these questions answered in more detail along with several others, be sure to watch Peter and Julie's webcast.

About a week prior, I was sent a wonderful starter kit and accessories from two new home office lines from Office Max to get acquainted with.

This amazing organization kit includes 3 file folders, a file tote, 5 clip tabs, 1 post-it cube, 3 document sleeves, 1 document envelope, document wallet, and 1 erasable marker. The best part is the durable and reuseable material that each piece is made from. With the erasable marker, these products can be used again and again. You can write on your tabs or the folder and then go back and erase it when you need to reorganize.

The [In]Place System are products that fit together and work together, giving a controlled start to meeting your organization needs. All of the products are clear, which plays off Peter's advice of keeping what you need VISBILE. His theory, if you're highly organized, you'll be highly efficient. The products fit together, and when put in the proper "dashboard"(everything should be within your reach, just like the main controls of your car's dashboard) of your home office, makes things ACCESSIBLE. Finally, everything is travel-ready, making the products PORTABLE. These three features - visibilty, accessibility, and portability - make the the [In]Place System uber- fabulous!

Below is a link to a pdf that contains some great tips from Peter Walsh to help keep your work life organized:
InPlace System by Peter Walsh & OfficeMax tips sheet

OfficeMax also sent along some other items from their DiVoga line. Some colorful file folders, a journal, a pen, paper clips and a rubber band ball. While I had to wrestle my family for the rubber band ball, I actually can't wait to use the file folders and cool paperclips in my new office! This was just the inspiration I needed to get my office painted.

So a big THANK YOU to Peter, Julie and Office Max!

Now I can obtain "Organizational Bliss"

*OfficeMax is now on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/officemax

*Peter Walsh & OfficeMax partnership announcement

To help you on your way to organizational bliss, you can WIN IT!

That's right! YOU TOO can receive a box of goodies in the mail.

One lucky winner will receive all of this:

1. Organization Kit from [IN]PLACE System by Peter Walsh. This is essentially Peter Walsh’s starter kit for workspace organization that includes the essentials for managing files, reducing clutter and increasing productivity. The kit is available exclusively at OfficeMax and includes:

• 1 document wallet
• 3 durable file folders
• 3 document sleeves
• 1 document envelope
• 1 set of colored clip tabs
• 1 erasable marker
• 1 Post-It Cube

2. Two OfficeMax rubberband balls

3. DiVoga

product package. DiVoga is one of OfficeMax’s new private label lines featuring affordable, high-style office products that add some personality to a workspace. This set includes:

• a colorful notebook
• document envelopes
• file folders
• jumbo binder clips featuring a modern XOXO pattern

To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this post telling me about your most unorganized place in your house.(if you don't have a blog be sure to leave a valid email address, please) That's it! All entries are due by midnight (CST) Monday, April 20, 2009. The winner

will be announced on the blog & notified by email.

For extra entries: you can do one, any, or all of the following - please leave an individual comment for each extra entry method:

• tweet or blog about this giveaway & leave the link in your comment
• subscribe or follow this blog (leave a comment telling me if you already subscribe or follow)
  

Good luck to everyone who enters!

Knock Knock.....Who's There?

There's just something about Spring Time
that makes me want to "organize".
Maybe it's the "Fresh and New" feel
that Spring Time brings that makes me want my
home to feel "Fresh and New"

How about organizing with some quirkiness and fun?!

"Put the FUN in Functional!"

I found a great site who's products are funny and they make being organized entertaining!
Knock Knock
has a product for just about every organizing need.

I am always finding myself with nothing to write on besides scrap computer paper. I am always making lists, but they look more like unorganized scribbles. Check out this 3-Way Pad (Home, Work, Play) .
It's stylish and portable you can pop into your purse, diaper bag, or briefcase.



How about these clips? Do you have papers fluttering all over your desk? These clips let you “appear more productive than you actually are” and “look good without getting much done.”









The people at Knock Knock inject whimsy into otherwise mundane organizational tasks with to-do list memo pads, home library kits, and delivery-menu organizers

Don't Kill The Kids - and Other Babysitting Basics.
Enjoy a night out with peace of mind with this great checklist pad.

Knock Knock has lots of GREAT pads, such as:
“Things You Do That Piss Me Off”
"All out of Pad"
"My Top-Secret Passwords Pad"
"Shit List Pad"
"Apology Nifty Note"

Do you have a lot of CRAP to file? Knock Knock has a set of filing folders for filing useless information and the ever popular "crap" stuff (this is their most popular set). Crap file folders
... who can resist such organized and colorful folders?

Now head on over to Knock Knock and start getting organized!
And you better not Paper Voodoo doll me !