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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Celebrate Earth Day April 22
Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, held on April 22. It is celebrated in many countries and has been receiving added attention in current years with the newfound popularity of going green and our increased consciousness of how we are harming the planet. As active motivated women, we, here at CRAVE, think Earth day is a wonderful chance to help women discover new ways to help our earth and conserve it for generations to come. The Nature Conservancy has some wonderful tips to do just that, pertaining to activities a lot of women deal with in their everyday lives.
Use reusable totes
You can help save oceans when you use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags. Sure, it’s a small step — but it can make a big difference in the health of our oceans. Unfortunately, 90 percent of the debris that washes up from our oceans are man-made and shouldn’t be there. Most of it has – unfortunately – come to be expected: derelict fishing equipment, disposable plastic bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts, bits of unidentifiable plastic, Styrofoam. To help encourage others, share where you take reusable bags or where you’ve found your favorite tote.
Eat food
Just like you, conservationists, fishermen, chefs and consumers are working together to find new ways of living off our oceans and waters while keeping nature healthy. In a day and age when many of us “harvest” most of our meals by filling a grocery cart or skimming a menu, it can be easy to overlook nature’s role in putting food on our tables. This is especially true when it comes to seafood. For centuries, the oceans’ bounty seemed inexhaustible. Now, as scientists unravel the intricate relationships between fish and the vast lands below the water’s surface, we’re gaining a clearer picture of how humans have altered our oceans’ ability to provide for us. The Conservancy is tackling the problems by working with communities to restore degraded habitats and rebuild depleted fisheries. But sustainability also depends on how fish are brought to market. A service called FishPhone is Blue Ocean’s sustainable seafood text messaging service that instantly puts sustainable seafood information at your fingertips. To find out about your seafood choice, text 30644 with the message FISH and the name of the fish in question. They’ll text you back with their assessment and better alternatives to fish with significant environmental concerns.
Green your gardening
Even while you’re gardening in your very own backyard, you can make a big difference in the health of the ocean. Fertilizers and other chemicals used in conventional gardening are washed into watersheds and eventually to sea, where they can harm coral reefs and other marine life. To help cut back on pollution, go native! Native plants require much less water and fertilizer than non-native plants do. Make your own compost! Composting kitchen scraps is a great way to create (free!) all-natural fertilizer. Set your mower to a cutting height of 2”-3” — which will eliminate undesirable weedy plants. Don’t rake your clippings; leave them behind as fertilizer. You can even try square-foot gardening. This method uses 90% less water and 95% fewer seeds than a traditional backyard garden and requires no chemicals!
You can find all the details on these tips and plenty more at earthday.nature.org
Event Planning Blogs We CRAVE
With spring in the air, wedding plans are too, as well as all kinds of events. If you’re looking for someone to help you plan it all out, or just get some clever ideas, we’ve provided some event planning blogs that we CRAVE.Â
Lucie’s Weddings and Events
http://luciesevents.blogspot.com/
For brides who demand luxurious personal service and supreme style, Lucie’s believes that planning and execution of your event should never mar the enjoyment of the experience. Whether an intimate affair or large-scale bash — in Texas or an exotic locale — Lucie’s has an elegant solution. Their blog is a great source to view their work, full of gorgeous pictures and descriptions of the events they plan. Ideas are boundless in the eye’s of Lucie’s and they can be for you to, especially with the help of their blog.
The Simplifiers
http://thesimplifiers.livejournal.com/
The Simplifiers are your ultimate Party Planners! Special events created by The Simplifiers are sure to be memorable moments, handling all of the details from designing the invitations to transporting and setting up rental equipment to catering to booking live music and even cleanup afterwards. Individuals and corporate clients alike. They also offer Personal Concierge services for clients. Consider The Simplifiers as your Personal Assistant, helping you to focus on the more important things in your life, not your chores and daily errands. The Simplifiers blog is insightful, warm and informative. They are filled with posts about event tips and venues and they are sure to give you endless ideas.
BZ Events
http://bzevents.com/blog/
BZ Events is more boutique than big company. More stylish than stuffy. And definitely more creative than conventional. Like ther clients, they still get giddy over intricate letterpress, fine stationery, clever wedding blogs, luxe fabrics and dramatic lighting. After all, they help make your fêtes unforgettable. But beyond the lovely details, unparalleled service is at their company core. BZ Events treats your big day like it’s a big deal. Because it is. Their clients receive undivided attention to make sure every last to-do is complete. Their blog is professional and beautiful, full of artful pictures and useful information. The blog is broken into different categories, like BZ Brides & Grooms, BZ Buzz, BZ Events, Fab Finds and Local Love. Cruise the blog, discover and learn.
Places To Pamper Your Pooch
If you really care about your pet and want to find a special place in Austin to show them the love that you feel for them, there are a lot of wonderful options that aren’t massive chain stores, supplying any food, products or services that will sell. These specialty shops and services were started out of love for animals and the people who love them.
Austin Dirty Dog
710 West 5th St. (and many other locations/see website)
512.476.3647
http://www.dirty-dog.com/
Austin Dirty Dog gives you all the tools to make your dog sparkle or at least smell great! It allows you to have a hands-on experience with your dog and leave the mess there. You won’t have to clean the bathroom ceiling or chase him around the yard with a hose. All you need to bring is the dog. Oh, And it’s dirt cheap.  Austin Dirty Dog also does full service grooming if you’d like to give your dog a professional look or tackle the difficult task with more experienced hands. It’s an all-around great place to get your dog cleaned up any way you like.
Nicole Mlakar-Livingston Pet Photography
http://nicolemlakarphotography.com/
Nicole Mlakar-Livingston is a lifestyle and pet photographer in Austin, Texas. Her work has been featured in Texas Highways, Austin Pet Directory, Rare Magazine and in a book titled “Barbeque Road Trip” by Voyageur Press. Nicole is the principle photographer for Austin’s first dog magazine- Haute Dog Magazine. Nicole is an award winning photographer, who most recently was selected as Austin’s “Most Awesom-ist” Pet Photographer by Austin Pet Directory’s reader poll. She also contributes to local non-profit pet organizations and rescue groups through financial donations and donations of her time and talent.  It’s clear that her praises reflect merit because her work is stunning. She has the talent to give you the perfect memory of your pet to keep for years to come.
Dogadillo
12912 Hill Country Blvd. Suite F-155
(512) 402-9663
http://www.dogadillo.com/
Dogadillo is designed to be very comfortable and friendly for canines, while catering to the most distinctive canines as well. With high end clothing and accessories, other packs can immediately tell if you shop at Dogadillo. Their top of the line nutritional products make your dog look and feel great! They love seeing other canines in the store, so bring the whole family to visit. Dogadillo offers fresh baked, healthy treats from local bakers, nutritious food from Dogadillo and more! Dogadillo carries high quality food products to keep your pet healthy. All foods are grain free and safe sourced. No edible products from China or Mexico. If you are a responsible health conscious pet owner, Dogadillo is the place to go to find good treats and good company, two and four legged.
Blogs We CRAVE
When it comes to women doing great things, we here at CRAVE love to spread the word about women doing unique things. A great way to discover extraordinary women is through their blogs.  Dive into bold minds and discover how these positive voices share what they love or believe in. These are just a few blogs that we swear by and know you will enjoy to.
LiveMom
http://www.livemom.com
In a thriving metropolis such as Austin, Texas, many moms have yet to find their way. Some know the place like the back of their hand, yet most still stumble around, constantly searching for a side street that will bring them closer to their destination in a more timely manner than many of the local highways and biways. Although moms are all different with different perspectives, they share a common thread; the desire to provide the best for themselves and their families. On LiveMom you can share information to encourage others in a kind and supportive online community. With that in mind, let your voice be heard and be a part of building a better village, Austin.
adored austin
http://www.adoredaustin.com
Indiana Adams started Adored Austin in the summer of 2009 as a place where she could synthesize and share style trends: good and bad. She also wanted to have a place to highlight local shops and independent artisans. Indiana believes that through the mediums of fashion and decor, we can silently express ourselves and honor our nostalgia. India’s blog posts are colorful, funny and informative and her blog is definitely worth checking out!
Austin Girl Music Guide
http://austingirlmusicguide.wordpress.com/
Austin Girl Music Guide offers fun, insightful, and useful reviews, videos, and pictures of concerts that the author attend here in Austin, Texas and reviews of albums that she happens to be listening to (old, new, from pretty much any genre, and everything in between). She also posts cool music-related happenings that she hears about, random music tidbits, and any-and-all things music related that might be interesting to readers. Austin Girl Music Guide is for normal people who just dig music, meant to be accessible and not intimidatingly cutting edge.
Interview with Kate Merrick of Betty Lash
Kate Merrick is the owner of Betty Lash, who’s focus is on your eyes! Betty Lash is a specialty lash boutique that offers a number of safe, non-invasive services that will enhance the appearance of your eyes. They know that if you come to them, you will get the best lashes available anywhere in the world, Guaranteed! Imagine waking up each morning and tossing you mascara and curlers to the wind!!!
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Luxurious   Rejuvenating   Pampering
What are your most popular products or services?
Of course, Eyelash Extensions! but “Sugaring” is becoming more and more popular.
People may be surprised to know…
I never in a million years would have dreamed up this business, it truly happened by chance and taking a chance.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
The idea that I could take a service that was so new, and specialize in it.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My father told me I could do or be whatever I wanted. His encouragement reminds me to be the best.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Being afraid to make mistakes. Because sometimes those “mistakes” can show you something you never would have seen or experienced otherwise.
How do you spend your free time?
What free time? Okay priorities if I had a «life”: Family, exercise, travel, good food, friends and girls nights..
What is your indulgence?
Great food & dessert anytime I feel I earned it! Yummy.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
The «New» Paggi house for drinks and appetizers. It’s close to downtown and they have their own valet parking.
Where is the best place to get a pedicure?
I’m always on the run, so it’s normally a last minute affair. Soon I’ll make an afternoon of it!
Where is the best place to get a manicure?
See above…stay tuned.
 Where is the best place to find gifts?
Anthropologie has something for everyone. Emeralds is great for cards, frames, and jewelry. Eliza Page for something really special.
What is your favorite salon?
Jackson Ruiz runs their business how I would if I owned a salon. How towels, oils, massages, need I say more…?
Where is the best place to buy shoes?
Nordstrom, absolutely! or Michael Kors at the Domain.
Where is the best place to buy clothes?
Girl Next Door and Shiki on 2nd are my favorites. Stylish, eclectic and uber chic.
Who is the best local designer or artist?
Lori Humphrey created Apron Allure, an eclectic assortment of “Lingerie for the kitchen.” Makes cooking so much more fun!
What is the best gym or fitness club?
I love Mecca, the service is outstanding, professional and you feel renewed after a great eucalyptus steam.
Find Inner Peace in Austin
We all have moments… days…weeks… where we get so stressed out we can’t wind down again. Here at CRAVE we are firm believers that every woman needs a place they can go and completely relax and get away from the stress of everyday life. That is why we’ve compiled this list of great places in Austin to find a little inner peace.
Breath & Body Yoga
4800 Burnet Road Suite 440
(512) 374-1021
http://www.breathandbodyyoga.com/
Breath and Body Yoga is Austin’s only contemporary yoga studio which breaks the mold of the traditional yoga practice. From the architectural design by award winning Dick Clark to the dynamic teaching styles of Baron Baptiste and Shiva Rea, Breath and Body Yoga integrates contemporary design, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Prana Vinyasa and Anusara Yoga. They invite you to discover your breath, your body and your yoga practice. Get ready for the practice of a lifetime. Breath & Body offers Group Classes, Private Sessions, Corporate Yoga, Online Classes, Workshops and Bootcamps.
Milk + Honey Spas
204 Colorado Street and 12700 Hill Country Blvd.
512.236.1115
http://www.milkandhoneyspa.com/
milk + honey spas, named Austin’s top day spa by the Austin Chronicle, offer a full range of spa treatments including massages, facials, body treatments, and natural nail therapy in a modern, yet relaxed atmosphere. milk+ honey strives to create a truly relaxing environment where you are pampered and unhurried, it provides treatments using natural and organic ingredients to assist in natural healing processes, and it engages all of your senses where you interact with music and art in addition to the touch of your treatment. The staff is passionate about your relaxation and healing. Some of their special treatments include seasonal packages, skin analysis events and trunk shows, and their customer loyalty program offers exclusive rewards.Â
Reform Pilates
3110 Windsor Rd. Ste. A
(512) 236-9595
http://reformpilates.net/index.html
Reform Pilates offers one-on-one training as well as a variety of group class options in a private, exclusive studio environment. They have highly trained and certified instructors that come from a variety of Pilates backgrounds. This gives them the advantage of meeting the needs of all students. They believe highly in continuing education for instructors as well as working with each other on a regular basis to ensure they are meeting the goals of clients every day. Reform also offers many different types of massage including: Sports/Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), Orthopedic and Pregnancy Massage.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Women’s History Month can be traced back to 1911 when the first International Women’s Day was celebrated. But it didn’t become a month long celebration until 1987. The popularity of women’s history celebrations continues to spread as more people are becoming aware of the contributions of women and girls. A President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in History in America recently sponsored hearings in many parts of the country. The Women’s Progress Commission will soon conduct hearings to promote interest in preserving areas that are relevant in American women’s history. Some of the groups promoting this interest are state historical societies, women’s organizations, and groups such as the Girl Scouts of the USA. CRAVE would like to celebrate Women’s History month by selecting five women who have made a positive impact in the last ten years.
Hillary Clinton
During the last decade, she was First Lady, Senator, serious presidential candidate of a major political party, and Secretary of State, First former First Lady to hold major elective office, January 2001 (Senator from New York); first woman candidate for U.S. president to almost win a nomination from a major political party (declared candidacy January 2007, conceded June 2008) and first former First Lady to serve in the cabinet, in her capacity of U.S. Secretary of State, confirmed January 2009. All of this after her presidential husband cheated on her for the whole world to see. Need I say more?
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah was the first black billionaire, as reported by Forbes in April 2004. Although she is not in politics or changing laws, her power and conviction is known the world over. She has used her power again and again to shed light on good causes on everything from women who are sold into slavery to animal cruelty. Her latest endeavor is getting people to stop talking and texting on the phone while driving. She puts massive amounts of money into charitable causes and her show is now approaching an unbelievable 25 year run. In 2009 she announced that the The Oprah Winfrey Show will end in 2011. It’s hard to find a woman who doesn’t know who she is.
Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates is the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is the largest transparently operated private foundation in the world. The foundation is “driven by the interests and passions of the Gates family.” The primary aims of the foundation are, globally, to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty, and in America, to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology. The foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, has an endowment of US$35.1 billion as of October 1, 2008. The scale of the foundation and the way it seeks to apply business techniques to giving makes it one of the leaders in the philanthrocapitalism revolution in global philanthropy. In 2007 its founders were ranked as the second most generous philanthropists in America. Bill and Melinda were also named Time magazine’s Persons of the Year in December 2005.
Michelle Obama
Because Michelle is the first African American first lady and the first wife of an African American President, she has an influence and gets attention that prior first ladies may not have received. Michelle represents the loving, working mother who came from difficult circumstances, had the opportunity to attend an Ivy League school, and achieve great things in the causes that she’s taken on as a lawyer, and now, as a first lady. Even her fashion sense is turning heads because she tends to wear little known designers, giving them well-deserved attention, instead of going for the more typical pricier names that everyone would expect. When Michelle decided to grow a vegetable garden outside the White-House, all of a sudden it was all the rage. Right now she is taking on reducing childhood obesity and encouraging children to have a healthy active lifestyle.
Ellen DeGeneres
Though it is easy to argue that Ellen doesn’t have half the achievements under her belt as any of the rest of these women do, her talk show and her name have become so synonymous with positivity and acceptance, it seems that laughter really is the best medicine. Besides being widely adored and accepted as an openly gay woman, Ellen and her talk show have won the daytime Emmy for Best Talk Show and talk show host 4 years in a row and the show averages about 3.0 million viewers per episode, according to daytime television ratings, which makes it one of the highest-viewed daytime shows. The refreshing style of her humor and the unyielding extent of her kindness make her a stand out woman of the last decade.
Information from wikipedia.com.
Interview with Emily Fleming-Nash of Emerald City Press
Emily Fleming-Nash is the owwner of Emerald City Press, which is striving to serve as Austin’s #1, community-oriented meeting place along gorgeous Shoal Creek. Emerald City Press also offers a quickly-managed coffee drive-through and delivers a convenient refreshment and floral service to downtown businesses and residents. Emerald City Press’ mission is to gainfully distribute a wide variety of updated, worldly information, locally made delicacies and fresh cut flora to the growing Austin metropolis.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Energetic, Well-connected and Fun.
What are your most popular products or services?
Drive-through Coffee Service, Organic Soft-serve Ice Cream, Tacodeli Breakfast Tacos, Iced Toddy and Espresso.
People may be surprised to know…
Emerald City Press, the name, is a soft tribute to the Wizard of Oz.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Getting in on the game of shaping Austin’s local business climate and future.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Liz Lambert, owner of the Hotel San Jose, Jo’s Coffee and the St. Cecilia Hotel.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Being overly idealistic about cashflow.
How do you spend your free time?
Day dreaming about my next business venture.
What is your indulgence?
Spending all day long in bed with my boyfriend.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Sandra Bulluck’s Austin restaurant, Bess Bistro.Â
Where is the best place to get a pedicure?
Barton Creek Mall because it’s next to Nordstroms and my favorite Clinique counter for lip gloss!
Where is the best place to get a manicure?
same place, same reason!
Where is the best place to find gifts?
Spartan. The gift selection is unique, thoughtful and reasonably prices with free gift wrapping.
What is your favorite salon?
N Salon on North Lamar Blvd. Each room is gorgeously decorated in a different color.
Where is the best place to buy shoes?
There is a boutique just down the road from our coffee shop actually called Emeralds and they sell a super cute selection of shoes at a great price and are always having sales.
Where is the best place to buy clothes?
Buffalo Exchange. They constantly have a fresh selection of recycled clothing to choose from at a great price.
Who is the best local designer or artist?
Gail Chovan, owner of Blackmail. She’s a very passionate clothing designer with an edge and a flair for timeless, black, sexy, unique clothing.
What is the best gym or fitness club?
Castle Hill Fitness Gym at 12th and Lamar. This gym is very European in feeling and very comfortable to work out in.
It’s Time for Girl’s Night Out, CRAVE Style!
Looking for a night on the town with the girls? We’ve found you the best places to sip, savor and hang out on a Friday night in Austin. Cheers!
Halcyon
218 W 4th St, Austin, TX
(512) 472-9637
http://www.halcyonaustin.com/
HALCYON (Hal-see-yon): adj -  Peaceful, Carefree, Untroubled. Coffeehouse by day, bar & lounge by night, Halcyon is where you can always relax and find your own personal “halcyon”. So what is your Halcyon? Relaxing on our couches with a book? Sharing some S’Mores with friends? People watching on the porch with a beer or glass of wine? The perfect cappuccino? Meeting some friends for happy hour? Surfing the web while procrastinating your work? Quick lunch getaway with gourmet paninis and salads? Halcyon has it all.
Bess Bistro
500 West Sixth Street
512 477 BESS (2377)
http://www.bessbistro.com/
Originally the Stratford Apartments built in 1918, the vintage building’s old bank vault is Bess’ kitchen, a treasury of great food, today. Where coins and currency were once counted out, carefully selected beers, wines and liquors are served from a stunning pewter bar custom-made in Montbazon. The menu deliberately defies classification. Creole inspired Shrimp Bess beckons comfortably beside Croque Monsieur. Filet Mignon tantalizes… Shepherd’s Pie tempts. Natural, organic and light offerings are right at home with old fashioned Mac & Cheese and a Lamb rack. The menu’s common thread is the passion of the chef.
The Dog and Duck Pub
406 West 17th Street
512.479.0598
http://www.dogandduckpub.com/index.html
As Austin’s premier pub, The Dog and Duck has been consistently recognized as one of the best place for chugs and chomps in Austin since they opened their doors in 1990. Their extensive beer selection is matched only by their menu, which features everything from pub classics, such as their renowned Fish ‘n’ Chips and juicy burgers to homemade falafel and killer veggie burgers for their less carnivorous clientele. Back to the beer: they stock over 40 local and national draft selections and 30 in bottles and cans, so they’ve got something to sate even the pickiest palates. Their daily drink specials and lunch deals will make sure you leave with something in your stomach, and your wallet. With both inside and outside seating, they’re a favorite destination for families, students, professionals, group gatherings, and everyone in between with a passion for big laughs, good drinks, and satisfying meals. Last but not least, they rock a legendary jukebox.
The Time Has Come for De-cluttering!
February is on its way out and spring is just around the corner. That could only mean one thing. No, not warm weather, not blossoming flowers… spring cleaning! It’s time to de-clutter your house and if you wait any longer you’re going to regret it! But we all know that getting rid of clutter can be an intimidating task. It’s messy, it’s complicated and it’s exhausting. But the rewards will certainly outweigh all the work when you’re home is spotless and all your neighbors are jealous. So we’ve asked the experts and found some de-cluttering tips to help you get through the war known as cleaning!
This is what Austin Interior Designer Heather Blue Harkovich, of Heather Scott Home and Design, has to share on the subject:
The first principle is try to prevent clutter altogether. It seems a lot of clutter comes from paperwork. When you bring in the mail (usually from the car or side door into the laundry room), have an area to sort it immediately and drop the junk mail and catalogs into the recycle bin, shredder or trash. I suggest an organizer or basket in the area where you bring the mail in- put bills in one slot, put items you want to read later in another. Do not bring the paper past that sorting area. It helps to make that area look nice/fun with accessories, such as cute containers for pens, envelopes, stamps, etc. Make the area a mini post office.
 In a family room a lot of times clutter comes from too many ‘things’- whether it is magazines, remotes or accessories. Try to cull through the magazines weekly. Have a storage area in another room for magazines you want to save or read again, and just leave out one or two. Have a basket or lidded box on the coffee table or ottoman for remote controls. Everyone loves framed family pictures, but when you have too many for the space, the area starts to look cluttered. Also, people have a tendency to collect a variety of frame styles over a number of years. The frames can get dated, so a home owner should take a step back and look at the picture frames with fresh eyes. I recommend clients have a few (perhaps 3) coordinating frames in a particular area. You can always take those extra photos and put them in a basket or scrapbook to sit down and flip through at any time.
 I highly recommend installing a closet organization system, such as California Closets. It isn’t inexpensive, but you will feel like it is great money spent. You can fit all your clothes in one area- versus having them spread out in coat closets or guest bedroom closets. For one project, we hired ‘ The Clutter Consultants ‘ to come to the client’s house and organize the re-hanging of all the clothes into systematic categories.Â
Here are some more great tips from Austin Interior Design Writer, Adrienne Breaux.
De-clutter: You’ve not only heard this organizing tip, you’ve probably seen it, read it and even experienced it yourself a time or two before. It doesn’t get any easier, but the number one thing you can do to get yourself re-organized is get rid of stuff first! Don’t try to tackle it all in one day—just take a room per week. Systematically go through every drawer, door, cabinet and even evaluate furniture to see if you need (notice I didn’t say want) an item anymore. Don’t stop to reminisce, and don’t second guess yourself.
Know who you are: People create messes in different ways. Some people are dining room table pilers. Others are leave-a-trail-of-stuff-as-they-walk clutterers. Still others let chores pile up until the tasks seem impossible. Knowing how you create a mess is your first line of defense. Do you pile everything onto your hallway table as soon as you walk in the door after work? Move the table. Do you always leave your shoes and coat in the living room? Incorporate a basket to stash your stuff. Always losing bills? Place a mail sorter right inside your door for immediate filing.
Do the daily 20: Any search on the Internet will give you tons of great organizing ideas from customizable cubbies to under the bed storage to pricey and detailed closet hardware. If so much of this is available to us, then why are we still such a mess? Because many people don’t invest the time needed in keeping themselves organized. After dinner or right before you leave for work in the morning, set the kitchen timer to 20 minutes and use those organizing tools you already have in place—place loose paper in your filing systems, put laundry in hampers, rearrange your shoes on those expensive shoe racks you bought. You’ll surprise yourself with how much time you actually do have to devote to organizing even when you think you don’t have a minute left in the day to spare.
Know the zones: An old trick I use in my own life is paying special attention to a home’s main zones. These are spots in the house that when clean, even if other parts of your home are a mess, will make you feel like you are cleaner and more organized than you really are. Some examples of the zones: the kitchen sink, the couch, the dining table, the bed and the bathroom counter. So what’s the point of only organizing a few spots in your house? Well, if you really don’t have a lot of time in your day, spending your 20 minutes on zones will be a good start in organizing your whole house. And, believe us when we say that a house that even just seems more organized will make you feel a ton better, and make you want to organize more!
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