The Organized Home

Price Is Key

2009-11-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

I think that Jennifer Allan's article "If Price Is All That Matters, What Do You Need Us For" on RealtyTimes is interesting.

She writes that most agents are found of the notion that "price conquers all" and that if you price a listing low enough it will sell reguardless of any challenges it may present. As a top selling broker I am surprised that she would use a blanket statement like that to describe her peers in the industry, however, to some degree I guess I agree with her.

Her point in the article is that real estate agents do far more than just help to determine price. If fact, Sellers determine price. Real estate agents simply provide information and make recommendations. I certainly can not tell you what to sell your house for. It is your house. With that being said, I will go one step further and add additional emphasis on price.

Price is important because gone are the days of speculative prices, elevated home values, unbelievable mortgage loans, and the "frenzy". You remember the "frenzy". A new house would enter the market and the buyers would swarm the listing like gold fish at feeding time. It was a true frenzy. There was another type of frenzy during those days too.

Not so much anymore. Today, buyers are super educated (thanks to the Internet)and most know as much as I do about the comparable prices in a particular neighborhood or area. Sellers who try and elevate their price without reason are not fooling anyone - least of all the buyer.

When you prepare to sell your house please remember one thing. YOUR HOUSE IS ONLY WORTH WHAT SOMEONE IS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT. And the best way to prepare to sell your house for what someone is willing to pay for it is to "be your own buyer". What do I mean by that? Well, consider the current market, your homes pluses and minues as compared to others in the area and then honestly ask yourself "what would I pay for this house today?"

Hyper Activity In Children

2009-11-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

Some mornings I can't get my children out of bed and other mornings they shoot out of the bed with the energy of three Starbucks baristas! This morning is one of those mornings. What is the deal? They are chasing each other around. They are loud and screechy. I am hardly awake and it is dark and rainy out. Oh boy....

November 20, 2009 Mortgage Rates

2009-11-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

Mortgage Rates
30 Year Fixed: 4.83%
15 Year Fixed: 4.32%
1 Year Adj: 4.35%
(U.S. Weekly Averages)

Why NOW is the best time to list

2009-11-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

Thinking of selling your home? As the holidays approach most sellers think that it is best to wait until AFTER the holidays. I tend to disagree. I think getting a jump on the "spring" market (DC's spring market starts in February)can be a very fruitful strategy. Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking of selling your home within the next 6 months.

There are definitely motivated buyers in the DC Metro area. Some are under the gun to buy for tax reasons.

During the holiday season many sellers take their homes OFF the market leaving less to chose from. Less supply = less competition. Less competion can mean more money in your pocket.

Many people have time off during the holidays, which increases their availability to see homes. Buyers that buy during the holiday season tend to be very serious buyers.

The holidays remind people of family. The home is the foundation of the family and therefore many people become motivated during the holidays. I had a client call me just before Christmas dinner and say "if I survive 28 people for dinner it will be a miracle." She survived and we found her new home 1 week later.

The extenstion of the Home Buyer Tax Credit. Need I say more?

Again, many sellers chose to wait until after the first of year creating a lot of new inventory. The longer your wait; the more competition you create for yourself.

Selling now can give you more buying power later. By selling your home now, you can buy after January when the "spring" market's new listings hit as a non-contingent buyer. This gives you great negotiating power.

Get the WFP Advantage

Tips For A Safe Holiday Season

2009-11-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, the holidays are looming before us and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. So what can we do to alleviate the panic of NET (Not Enough Time)? Shopping on the internet is how many of us deal with the Christmas rush, even though many of us still like to see what we are buying and visit our favorite boutiques and malls.

I have found that there are some great websites offering consumer reviews, comparison prices and even great get-away airfares when it all gets to be too much. I provided a list of my favorites in the previous post.

Since, it recently happened to a client of mine, the holidays are also a great time to review home safety measures. Water and fire can cause the most devastating damage to your home. Water is insidious. It can sneak between walls, underground and across and entire ceiling. If not found, slow leaks can cause potentially toxic mold. Look for signs of water damage on ceilings, walls and carpets (bubbling of paint or plaster, water stains, cracks or dry wall tape that pops up). More destructive water issues are caused by bursting pipes. Secondly, fire is especially a concern during the holidays. Here are my suggestions for safe practices around the house during the holidays and throughout the year.

1. Replace hoses to washing machines (especially upper level ones) every 7 years with stainless steel mesh hoses (they last longer). This happened to a client whose house had to be gutted as water was running down from the third floor for the entire work day.
2. Turn off the water supply to the outside spigots and open them to bleed the pipes dry.
3. If you see signs of water leakage, call an experienced roofer, gutter man or plumber to address right away. (I have a list of home services providers on my website www.exitchaosentercalm.com).
4. Inspect gutters and downspouts quarterly and roof flashings and tiles every couple of years.
5. Make sure drainage pipes take water away from your house and gardens are bermed accordingly.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and utility rooms and make sure everyone knows where!
7. Have an escape plan in the event of a fire for the entire family, day or night.
8. Make sure your Christmas tree lights are new every year (this is easy today with inexpensive lights) and that your refill tree water daily. Putting sugar in the water also helps.
9. Change your smoke alarm batteries every year at the same time.
10. Have chimney and fireplace flues inspected annually and cleaned when required and use fire screens when burning wood.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Websites for the Savvy Shopper

2009-11-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

Here are my favorite 2009 Holiday Websites:

ConsumerSearch.com - reviews hundreds of product reviews, analyses them and distills the information shoppers need and recommends the best products.

Metacritic.com - is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, TV shows and DVD’s

Pricegrabber.com - is a clear winner with results among the cheapest and most accurate. Detailed listings, prices include taxes and shipping, item condition and store availability. Very easy to use

Uncommongoods.com – offers hundreds of unique and specialty gifts created in harmony with the environment

Violet.com – your go-to website for gifts with special meanings

TheStationaryStudio.com – affordable, personalized stationary

PeaceLoveMom.com - great gifts to celebrate moms

Net-a-porter.com –world’s premier online luxury fashion destination

Etsy.com – buy and sell handmade or vintage items whose community includes buyers and sellers from 150 countries

1stdibs.com - marketplace for antiques, furniture, home décor, estate jewelry, vintage watches etc.

Lastminute.com and SkyAuction.com – great deals on last minute getaways

CruiseCritic.com – a definitive resource for cruise reviews and advice

Cheapoair.com – great deals on international flights, but read the fine print regarding baggage fees

Bing.com – plan your travel purchase with “price predictor” which forecasts fares

Girlholiday.vpweb.com – all the help you will need to prepare for, get through and survive the holidays.

Happy Shopping!

The DC Market Is On Its Way Back

2009-10-28T09:36:00.001-07:00

You could be one who thinks that the DC Real Estate market has hit the bottom or one who thinks that it is still falling but what I think is that the proof is in the pudding, or in this case the MLS data.

According to the Multiple Listing Service for the period of 10/12/09-10/22/09 versus 10/12/08-10/22/08 there has been a significant increase in the number of contracts being written on properties under $1M as well as over $1M. As much as 110% in Maryland for properties listed under $1M!!!

2008
Number of contracts written on properties listed for Under $1M:
DC - 118
VA - 438
MD - 193

2009
Number of contracts written on properties listed for Under $1M:
DC - 220 (up 86%)
VA - 592 (up 35%)
MD - 406 (up 110%)

2008
Number of contracts written on properties listed for Over $1M:
DC - 4
VA - 15
MD - 12

2009
Number of contracts written on properties listed for Over $1M:
DC - 14 (up 250%)
VA - 24 (up 60%)
MD - 14 (up 16%)

What does this tell you? It should tell you that the market is adjusting accordingly and starting to stabilize. Buyers are qualified and pre-approved and are buying homes in the Washington DC Area. If you are thinking of selling or are in the market to buy it is important to prepare yourself for this NEW market.

Uncluttered Nightstands

2009-07-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cluttered nightstand? Here is a super quick, cute and inexpensive solution.

Ikea's Hema cord + the Skimra shade + the Dimma cord dimmer + instant hanging lamp.

Totally DIY in about 30 minutes! $33.96

Shoe Storage at 25% off!!!

2009-07-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Right now at The Container Store you can get 25% off our entire store with the promo code CLUTTERCREW.

This is a must do if for no other reason than to SAVE YOUR SHOES! This is one of my many favorite products from The Container Store. Even if you have an enormous closet with room enough for out of season shoes it is a good idea to keep shoes covered for longer term storage. Keeping the shoe box is one way but you can't see the shoes inside and quickly you may find your closet taken over with shoe boxes. BAD! This product solves all of your problems and fits easily under the bed. GENIUS! Click on the link and start saving your shoes TODAY!!!! $14.99

Organizing Addiction

2009-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have decided to take this blog in a new direction, after all, a blog is a place where one can share their thoughts, feelings, opinions and you know, keep it real. Oh I have a whole lot of REAL that I can share.

Hi, my name is Nicole and I am an organize-aholic. I feel better all ready.

Seriously. I think that the best and most mature thing we can do for ourselves is to be HONEST. I am a very honest person with everyone but myself. I really didn't want to admit that my need to organize was anything more than my desire to "make a nice home for my family". But it is more - way more. Just the other day my Dad called to see what was up "What ya doin'" he said and "torturing myself" was my response. I was rearranging the living room furniture AGAIN! It is a compulsion. To the point where I almost wish I could stop sometimes. it is tiring to move furniture. It is nerve racking to find yourself half-way through a project and all of sudden think you may have made a mistake and might have to put everything back in its former place. ACK!

I know that I have a talent for organizing. That I have a talent for walking into a room and quickly knowing what would make the room flow better or function more efficiently and I have made a little business for myself around this talent but there is a darker side to this talent. A much darker side. One that I sometimes can't control.

So again,

Hi, my name is Nicole and I am an organize-aholic.

Home Om - not just an organizing service; it's my passion.

2009-07-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

MY APPROACH
I apply holistic principles to the entire process because organizing is more than making a room or a closet look better. Organizing is also about making you FEEL better.

MY EXPERIENCE
I apply years of both formal and practical experience to each project. And with a real estate and interior decorating backround I bring a "one-stop" shop to most projects.

MY ATTITUDE
My CAN DO attitude and positive outlook is contagious. OM Home clients find working with me motivating, exhilarating, exciting and rewarding. You can expect a positive, upbeat attitude everyday because I love what we do.

MY ENERGY
If you could bottle the energy.......It has been said that I seem to have endless energy - "your stimina for this type of work is incredible". I think fast, I move fast, I talk fast! I will get the job done quickly and efficiently and rest assured I will not cut any corners. You can expect the job to take only as long as needed.

Not convinced? Read what my clients are saying.

Hanging Pictures

2009-07-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

There is no question that the "Picture Wall" has become increasingly popular. If you are a clutter-free lover like I am you have jumped right on this bandwagon! While some might find hanging pictures on a wall great fun, for others the task is often fraught with uncertainty, second-guessing, and lots of unnecessary nail holes.

The obvious first step is to select the pictures, paintings or mirrors that you want in your gallery.
A good way to prevent experimental holes is to cut a paper pattern of each frame that you plan to hang. After you cut the paper place it on the back of the frame and feel for the hanging hardware. Make a little pin whole or marking of some sort to identify where the nail should go.

With masking tape tape each paper frame to the wall in the desired display. Once it is how you like it do your measuring and hammer away. photos courtesy of Little Birdie Secrets

If you are impulsive like me you will opt for an eclectic display. They are fun, easy and instant. Different colors, sizes and shapes create a very free flowing, organic feel and this type works great if you already have a number of pictures in frames. photos courtesy of the McGrath residence

If you want a more unified look selecting the same type (color, manufacturer, wood, silver) of frame in different sizes and shapes conveys continuity yet is still fun and free flowing. photos courtesy of Pottery Barn

Here are a couple of other tricks using household items.

If you are hanging something heavy it is important to try and nail into the stud. If you don't have a stud finder tool you can use an electric razor. Simply turn it on and run the razor across the wall. You will notice a distinct difference in the sound the razor makes over hollow wall and the sound when it hits the stud.

To keep your pictures from shifting wind some masking tape around the center of the wire or place some masking tape on the back four corners of your picture and press against the wall.

An inexpensive way to get an expensive look it to buy unfinished frames for the hobby store and stain them with liquid shoe polish. Brown shoe polish gives the wood a walnut glow, oxblood emulates a mahogany or cherry color and tan polish will look like maple.

I hope these tricks will come in handy at your house!

Summer Travel Tips To Save Time, Money AND Stress

2009-06-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation you’re planning to take this summer, some pre-travel organizing is vital to ensuring a fun excursion for all.

Particularly in today’s difficult economy, having needed supplies, including cameras, batteries and snacks on hand can save time, money and frustration, according to OM Home.

“Being organized for travel is the first and perhaps most important step in planning a trip,” OM Home Owner Nicole McGrath said. “Planning ahead and determining what is essential for your trip is just as important as packing the right items and knowing where they are when you arrive at your destination.”

To save time

Keep a copy of your packing list on the computer to cut down on time spent recreating it for future trips. Update it before each trip to include new information such as medications.
Create an itinerary before your travel which lists travel times, hotel check-in/check-out times and a list of activities/places you’d like to visit.
Map our your route ahead of time if driving
Keep all documents related to your trip (airline tickets, car rental and hotel reservations etc) in a “Travel/Trips” active file for easy retrieval.
Keep a toiletry bag packed with travel-sized containers year-round. This way, you’re always read for a long trip or an overnight stay.
Place items you’ll need immediately at the top of your suitcase, or in a separate handbag.

To save money

Think ahead and pack items you may need for various vacation activities, including band-aids for hiking, beach towels and/or umbrella for the beach and aloe vera for sunburns.
Make sure you have camera batteries, film and other necessities before leaving home as these items will cost much more at tourist locales.
Make sure camera and power charger cables are included on your packing list. It would be terrible to waste vacation time and money looking for cords needed to recharge your equipment.
Review vacation planning guides for your destination to find valuable coupons on dining, entertainment and activities on your itinerary.

To save stress

Look up the weather in your vacation destination to make sure you pack the appropriate clothing and shoes.
Begin packing early and only pack what you absolutely need.
Be sure to leave extra space in your suitcase if you plan on buying souvenirs.
Organize your wardrobe around one basic color to prevent over-packing. You’ll be able to mix and match easily.
Check items off your to-do list at least one to two weeks before you travel so you are not pressed for time at the last minute.
Use suitcase organizers to separate outfits or types of clothing.
Get your car fully serviced at least two weeks prior to travel so you have time to make any necessary repairs.
Leave your itinerary and contact information with family or friends should an emergency arise.

Have you ever considered the wonders of the everyday hook?

2009-05-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hooks are readily available everywhere…. from your local hardware store (where you’ll find standard coat hooks), to Ikea (contemporary and colorful hooks), even flea markets (just polish them up!). They can blend with your décor (best choices: wood and chrome) or become a decorative focal point to enliven your closet, room or hallway. Hooks are cheap, decorative, and easy to install (yes ! even you can hang a hook!)

There are so many amazing ways a simple wall-mounted hook can facilitate your organizing needs. The best place to install hooks ? Place hooks where items are:

* regularly dropped – install hooks in your entryway to hang coats and backpacks
* creating clutter – try hanging a basket on a hook to hold the mail or school papers
* in frustrating disarray – hooks in closets can provide amazing organization for your necklaces, handbags, and scarves

And don’t neglect the garage ! Stuff sports gear and out-of-season equipment in mesh bags, hang on hooks, and you’re done. No need to invest $$$ for shelving and drawers that will promptly become cluttered, and into which you can’t see!

Here are a few more hook ideas:

This Oar hook can be found at Potterybarn Kids but if you are industrious you could make this yourself! http://www.potterybarnkids.com/

Here is another from PBK. Put a bench under your Peg Rack and watch your storage space DOUBLE!

This is one of our favorites. Visit your local Anthropolie store to see an amazing variety of decorative hooks - or visit them online! http://www.anthropolgie.com/

Can I get a HOME with that OM?

2009-03-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

As much as I love my "girl" I am thinking that my logo needs to be a little more specific. Not that a woman doing yoga next to a house says "Organizer" as much as it says Yoga@Home but it is closer, don't you think??? I'm going to sleep on it.

The 1st Annual Community Shred Was A Success!

2009-03-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

In just 4 short hours we shredded 2.5 TONS of paper AND we had FUN doing it!

Jim Knight from Secured Shred was so great to work with. We shared business ideas during the down time. We never had a line (as I feared we would) but rather a nice steady stream of people. My husband and my kids helped and for the kids it was the thrill of the day!

I felt good when the day was done. By shredding and recycling 2.5 TONS we had saved approximately 34 mature trees. Jim was going to take the paper to a recycling plant that processes it to be made into recycled tissue paper and paper towels. Have you ever purchased a pack of recycled tissue paper? It is EXPENSIVE. It is definintely not affordable enough for everyone to use, but, in 4 hours we generated 2.5 TONS of shredded paper and it was a piece of cake.

My point is stop using your personal shredder at home unless you are RECYCLING the paper. If you are just throwing it in the trash you are wasting a very valuable opportunity. It doesn't take any longer to toss it in a bag/bin to be recycled than it does to toss it with your regular trash. AND, even more to the point - save those sensative documents and look for FREE events like this one. When we all come together we can generate TONS and TONS of recyclable paper in minutes. Think of how we could drive the price of RECYCLED tissue paper products down. Just think of it....... I was energized by this thought and you better believe that this is my new charge!

If you have a home business and generate a lot of sensative documents that need to be shredded, call Secured Shred today! You can have, in your home office, a 35" H, 17" D, 19" W locked and secure box for your shredding. Secured Shred will pick it up at your location when it is full for just $50.00/pick up. There is no monthly fee to rent the box. They only charge for the pick up. That's $1.66/day if you have them come once a month and just $.55/day if you have them come once a quarter.

If you run a larger office and are looking for a shredding resource call Secured Shred for a proposal.

They are GREAT to work with.

888-SHRED-88

www.securedshred.com

--that's my green piece for the day

OM Home's 1st Annual Community Shred!

2009-03-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

Join OM Home in their fight to stop clutter at their first annual shredding event.

If you have any ancient bills, bank statements or even a steamy letter or two from your old flame lying around, you're a prime candidate for this oh so cathartic Spring shredding event.

Sponsored by OM Home, this day of de-cluttering is completely FREE. Yes, it's true. We hate clutter so much that, this entire event is on us. So, grab that box, bag, basket or file of TO BE SHREDDED and meet us on March 21st at Westwood Shopping Center in Bethesda anytime between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Westwood Shopping Center, also known as "Westbard", is located between Ridgefield Drive and Massachusetts Avenue on Westbard Avenue)

WHY Are We Doing This And WHY Should YOU Shred?

1. Shredding is the only prudent method of ensuring that your private and confidential information is completely destroyed.

2. Identity thieves search dumpsters and other places where your documents may end up after you throw them out, for anything they deem valuable. In 1988 the US Supreme Court ruled that, "Dumpster Diving" as it is called, is LEGAL. Exceptions are when dumpsters are locked, are inside gates, or posted no trespassing. Legal or not, dumpster diving is a major source of information gained by identity thieves and others that wish to use your information to steal your identity or commit fraud.

3. Last, but certainly not least, Shredding is good for the environment. Did you know recycling one ton of shredded paper can SAVE up to 17 mature trees? And producing a ton of recycled paper uses 60% LESS energy, and 60% LESS water than non-recycled paper? Or, did you know, that producing a ton of recycled paper REDUCES AIR POLLUTION 70% compared to non-recycled paper?

WHAT Should I Shred?

Old Tax Returns (7+ years old)
Invoices
Utility Bills
Payroll Stubs
Credit Card Statements
Credit Card Solicitations or "Checks"
Personal Letters
Medical Information
Resumes
Copies of birth/death/baptismal certificates
Copies of marriage/drivers licenses
Old Passports
Copies of Stock Certificates or other Investments
ATM Receipts
Old Bank Statements
Old Bank Account Registers
Old Drivers Licenses or ID cards
Loan Papers
ANYTHING that contains your SS#
Credit Reports

HOW Will My Documents Be Shredded At This Event?

Our partner, Secured Shred, will be onsite with a new, state-of-the-art mobile document destruction vehicle that employs a "no-touch" system whereby your documents go straight from the boxes or bags to their Mobile Shredding Unit. This is the ultimate in onsite, secure, document destruction. You will be able to witness the entire process to ensure compliance via the closed circuit video monitor outside of the truck. Secure Shred will haul away and recycle all of the shredded material.

For more information on Secured Shred please visit www.securedshred.com

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It's not."
— Dr. Seuss, from The Lorax

Need a great storage solution? Look to Creating Keepsakes!

2009-02-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking was a hobby of mine when my son was young. Then along came my daughter and my scrap supplies continue to gather dust in the attic. :-( I am committed to get back to it again one day so much so that I still have a subscription to Creating Keepsakes and just the other day I found a wonderful storage solution that could be applied to all sort of stuff.

The Creating Keepsakes™ Embrace Your Space Storage Set is perfect to suit any designer. Set contains four pieces, each with its own label holders for personal customization. Perfect for all types of craft storage and organization! $44.99

Love the color. Love the design. I found it on www.costco.com. I think this set is in my future!

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11211379 to go directly to the product.

What do I do with my left over paint?

2009-02-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

This is a question that I get all the time. Here is how you can dispose of paint in Montgomery County:

DRY IT UP!

All residual/leftover paint must be hardened or dried. Any liquid or soft paint will be left as unacceptable by collection crews.

Remove lids from cans, and put both lids and cans into a plastic trash bag along with your regular household trash. Reminder: trash bags must be set out for collection in rigid trash cans.
If you have Montgomery County-provided trash collection service, you may place up to four paint cans out for collection at one time. [Please remember that trash cans must be under 45 pounds each, per County guidelines for household trash collection.] For more than four paint cans, please schedule a free special bulk collection. If you have privately-arranged trash service, please contact your hauler for more information.

Look up whether you have County-provided or private service
The paint can you put into your trash will actually get recycled: Household trash is processed in the County's Resource Recovery Facility. There, it is incinerated, and the dried paint burns off of the metal can. Steel (including paint cans!) and other ferrous metals are recovered from the remaining ash, and are sent to metal processors for recycling.

The best ways to manage oil-based paint are to "Use it up! Pass it on!"
If reuse is not possible, then oil-based paint should always be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection site. The solvents in oil-based paint are flammable, and the resins, solvents, pigments, and additives can be toxic when breathed or touched.

USE IT UP!

Small amounts of paint can be mixed with other colors or bulked together and used as a primer coat or on jobs where the final finish is not critical.
Avoid creating waste at the start. Buy only what you need. One gallon of paint will cover between 250 and 350 square feet, depending on the porosity of the surface to be covered. A gallon of paint will cover closer to 250 square feet of surfaces that are more porous.
Paint Use Calculator (link courtesy of the King County, WA, Local Hazardous Waste Program)

PASS IT ON!

Donate unopened cans of paint. Many schools, religious groups, community groups, and theater groups will accept unopened cans of paint, especially white paint. Even a neighbor may need some extra paint. Also, check your paint store's policy on returning unopened cans of paint.

Shady Grove Solid Waste Transfer Station

The Household Hazardous Waste receiving area at the Transfer Station is located in the recycling drop-off section of the Public Unloading Area.
16101 Frederick RdDerwood, MD 20855Map and directions
Please use the Car Entrance to the facility.
open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday - Saturday) – no need to wait for special monthly collection events! Household Hazardous Waste can only be received during these hours -- please do not drop off this material at other times.
These hours are only for residents.

All information above courtesy of the Montgomery County website:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/swstmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/solidwaste/index.asp

Happy Disposing!

Ikea Wardrobe - Amazing space creator

2009-02-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

I have been an Ikea customer since 1985 but this weekend was the first time I took a close look at the wardrobes and let me tell you - I LOVE 'em. Easy to customize, attractive and affordable - you can't go wrong. I spent a good couple of hours at Ikea yesterday with a client. She lives in a wonderful bungalow in DC that was built in, I think she said, 1910 and the closet in the master bedroom just isn't working. Her clothes are busting out of it and her husband has to keep his clothes in another closet in another room. The Ikea wardrobe is going to make a HUGE difference. I am a true believer. Oh, and Ikea has a 3D Design Tool on their site. Amazing. So helpful. Check it out! www.ikea.com Scroll through and find the 3D Tool download. You will have to download it to your computer but it will allow you to design a bedroom, kitchen and workspace. Love it!

Great Stuff in Today's Post - Home Section

2009-01-29T06:34:00.001-08:00

I love today's article in the Post's Home section. "Seeking Office?". I have suggested converting a closet into an "office space" a few times. It is a great option if you don't have a large home and you want your "office" to be easily closed off when entertaining, for instance. Anyway - here's the article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012801027.html

The other thing that I LOVE but have never thought of was repurposing a jewelry box for office/desk supplies. Not only pretty but so perfect!!! This one is from Pottery Barn. www.potterbarn.com

Another fav of mine are the Pendaflex "Pile Smart" line of folders. Specifically the QuickView Jackets. They are perfect for keeping track of the paper that comes IN from school and has to turn right around and go OUT. You can find these at Staples or at www.pendaflex.com

And of course I can't mention my fav's without mentioning The Container Stores elfa and right now is their 30% off sale. I highly recommend the elfa line for closets in older homes. The planners in the store will help you plan the design. All you have to do is bring the measurements into the store. It is super easy to install and you will be THRILLED with the finished product. There is a link on my website to The Container Store - because I love it SOOOO much.

Trade Name Issue - HELP! Your opinion is appreciated!!!!

2009-01-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hello - to anyone reading my blog out there, I need your help! When you start a business one of the first things you need to do is register your trade name. Well, I didn't realize this until I met with my accountant this past week. I copyrighted my name and logo but I did not register the name and logo with the State of Maryland. When she mentioned this I had a moment of panic but then stopped and realized who else would have a business called OM Home in Maryland? What are the chances? Well, evidently the chances are very good because a woman in Baltimore has the name registered - OM Home LLC. This is not good.

I filled out the application, wrote a check for $25 and I am crossing my fingers. If her business and my business are not alike I believe I can register the name too. I have tried to contact her, just in case, to see if I can buy the rights but I haven't had any luck getting in touch with her nor can I find a business anywhere in Maryland with the name except MINE! But, the fact is that she has an actively registered trade name. I am not sure if you have to actually have a business to own a name. Probably not. You can own a url without a website, right? UGH!

So, here is what I need from you. My people. My community. My fans. :-)

Would it be earth shattering if I changed the name of my business to HOME Om?

First Guest Speaking Gig

2009-01-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

A dear friend and colleague of mine was kind enough to mention me to her community group in Potomac, MD. and the other members thought I would make a nice guest speaker for their February meeting. I think they did a great job with the intro below.

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ABE!

Are your closets full of old winter coats, sweaters with shoulder pads, pants two sizes too small, and shoes you haven’t worn since your high school prom? Have you vowed year after year to get rid of the clutter in your home, only to find the piles multiplying? Is there no room in that closet for the new outfit that Santa brought you? Our guest speaker, Nicole McGrath, is a professional organizer who will help you to emancipate yourselves from the clutter, allowing you the freedom to pursue other interests.

Please enjoy lunch and celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with us!

Date: February 12, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM

Ok, just one more thing before I go and tuck the kids in.....

2009-01-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

I was with a friend/client today and we came up with a BRILLIANT solution to her "command central" problem and we couldn't find anything like it on the market. So, we are off on a journey to create a prototype. How exciting is that?!

OM Home Product #1 - The Devol Board

Stay Tuned......

Do you read blogs?

2009-01-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

I guess if you are reading mine you do, but if you read only mine (because you are my friend or my mother) you should try a few more. Here are some of my favorite blogs and fun sites that I found:

http://www.coolmompicks.com/mothersday08/

http://www.momagenda.com/blog/

http://juiceofchampions.com/home/ Great for inspiration

http://www.mommytrackd.com/

http://www.parentdish.com/

http://www.someecards.com/ Totally random cards but perfect for certain situations and certain odd people!

http://www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/ love, love, love

http://www.centerd.com/ I haven't used this but I have suggested it to a few clients. Neat idea for computer "centered" people

http://jott.com/default.aspx Again, haven't used this but seems like it hits the mark for some.

http://www.stickersisters.com/

http://www.seejanework.com/ Too cute

http://www.ubumoms.com/indexa-2.php Too cute

Inspiration

2009-01-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here is an email that I received via my website. I have an appointment to see her at the end of the month. I love her humor and can appreciate her plight. I know that I can help her and that just reinforces for me that I am on the right path.

Dear Nicole:

I'm a working mom with two little girls. My house was built back in 1910 when they didn't have that many clothes. There was a closet organizer previously
installed when we moved in but it's not working for me. My husband has been
forced to use my daughter's closet to hang his clothes (she's so young that her
clothes can fit in an armoire). My husband is very vocal about his annoyance
of my clothes being everywhere. It was ordered chaos until one day he couldn't find the remote. He just threw my stuff around the room until he found it. So my controlled chaos has become utter chaos. I'm completely overwhelmed so I would like to take advantage of your special offer so that I can bring the calm back into our bedroom. Plus, it's kind of disingenuous to tell the girls to clean their room when mommy's room is so out of control.

I'd really like for my husband to be able to get dressed in his own room. Here are some of the ways I've attempted to remedy the situation: I've gone through several clothing racks in addition to the closet but they keep breaking from the weight of too many clothes. Despite putting a bunch of the pre-birth clothing into boxes, some
of which I've given away and some which are still waiting to go to goodwill,
it's still too much to put in the closet. I've thought about knocking out the
wall between my closet and my daughter's to make a bigger closet. I've
thought about cleaning out the attic and making it a walk in closet. I even went to IKEA for solutions but I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing. I guess I'm looking for someone experienced to tell me what to do.

Margaritas and Mustashes

2009-01-12T06:57:00.001-08:00

On Saturday night we had a little surprise dinner party for my friend Kim. It was her birthday and, while I won't say how old she, I will say that it was one that couldn't go unnoticed. She loves mexican so that was easy. I ordered fajitas for 12 from California Tortilla and served muchas Margaritas. My party props were a Sombraro (of course), margarita glasses, mutlicolored napkins and for the senoritas Chili Pepper Necklaces for the senors and Mustashes.

Whenever I have a party I always prepare for what we call "dance party". I can never be sure if the night will call for dance party but I always have it waiting in the wings. It is my favorite part of every party. This night did not disappoint.

The suprise was a success and a good time was had by all, especially the birthday girl.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

2009-01-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ever since my friend told me that my profile picture looked to Real Estate-y I have been searching for something that is a little more, well, blog appropriate.

Kathleen - I hope you approve.

If you think the picture looks like a headshot it's because it is a headshot. 8 years and 2 children ago I wanted to try modeling. My goal - to be a Talbot's catalog model. That's it. Simple. I felt (and still feel) like a walking Talbot's model.

Believe me when I say that I am the farthest thing from vain but who doesn't like to have good pictures taken? And, these kind of just crack me up. I dug them out of a box in the attic. Remember, 8 years and 2 kids ago.....

I think that we were supposed to come to the shoot prepared to do a sport look, a sexy look (for the younger set) and a professional look.

See. This picture is Talbot's ALL THE WAY.

I will never know if I could have been a Talbot's model; I didn't pursue modeling beyond having these pictures taken. No, I take that back. I did do one more photoshoot but the photographer gave me the creeps.

Organizing is much more my speed!

So what do you do when the EXTERNAL hard drive crashes?

2009-01-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true. My external hard drive malfunctioned and unless I can get the data off of it I have lost a lot of my pictures. However, I am not going to let this put a kink in my good mood. I still feel great about 2009 and, well, I saved a few pictures on my c drive.

Ok, so far so good. This is a condo that I helped decorate and organize. He is, unfortunately, going through a divorce and has two young children. He had purchased a sofa and a few other things and knew what he wanted but needed some input. I think that he liked having me as a sounding board; as someone to validate that he was making the right choices. I think that it turned out very nice.

Love this table from Crate & Barrel. It is a large square with the same width as the island so when we pushed it up against the island and under the overhang and it worked perfectly. It is very functional as a dining table for 3 and can be pulled out to seat as many as 8 people comfortably. Really great table.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

So far my new year is getting off to a great start! I am meeting with a woman that emailed me via my website today at 11:00 and after that I am meeting with a woman who received a gift certificate to OM Home. Yay!

And, interestingly enough, on the Today Show this morning Donny Deutsch was plugging his new book "The Big Idea" (which I WILL be buying) and he was saying that this year is all about Depending On You. In other words, with this crazy economy and all of the unknowns you can really only count on yourself. If you have an idea, this is the time. I couldn't agree more.

To all my fellow momprenuers out there - THIS IS THE TIME! And, if you need some help ORGANIZING your thoughts, you know where to find me! :-)

I will write more soon. I have lots of pictures to share.

- N

Intuit Your Home's Decor

2008-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Working With Space
Daily OM April 5, 2007

When we decide the time has come to change the look or feel of our personal spaces, it is the spaces themselves that can provide us with the most useful guidance. Working with a single room, an apartment, or an entire house allows us to unearth the innate potential of these spaces and also better understand how we want to relate to them. To be conscious of the possibilities of a space, we need to listen to, look at, and bond with that space in a deep and personal way. Just as no two people are alike, no two rooms, however similar, are identical. The more we know about the spaces we wish to change, the better equipped we are to make them both beautiful and functional. Before you contemplate colors and layouts, spend some time in the rooms you plan to modify. Observe the way light moves through each space at different times of day. In the course of a week or so, note those times when you feel drawn to a particular space. You may naturally gravitate toward one room when you want to relax and toward another when you want to socialize. Also, remember that not all rooms have to be used as originally planed, for example a dining room may make a wonderful sitting area. As you make these observations, think about whether the spaces under consideration remind you of anything or bring certain thoughts to mind. Writing your thoughts down can make the process of examination simpler. The discoveries you make regarding the rooms in your home can help guide you as you choose color schemes, furniture layouts, and decorative styles, so that you bring out the natural qualities of each using your creativity and eye for detail. Using the cues you pick up, you can design a beautiful room that is bright and exciting, or one that calms the soul and invites meditation. By treating the layout and décor of your personal spaces in this mindful way, you can honor their natural rhythms while creating a cohesive and comfortable home through which energy can flow unencumbered. The design elements you subsequently choose will work together like the diverse instruments that come together to form a symphony orchestra. Each will resonate harmoniously with the next, ensuring that your home resounds with a lasting message of beauty, serenity, reassurance, and comfort.

I love, love, love this article. It speaks directly to my heart and soul. Let your environment speak to you. I speak to my environment on a regular basis which is why it changes sooooo much!!

Are your Chakras balanced today?

2008-12-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but if I am surrounded by chaos my Chakras are totally out of balance.

One of my favorite websites (blogs) is Daily OM. The are offering an online course (10 weeks) on Balancing Your Chakras. I might take it and see if they mention environment as a factor in knocking your Chakras out of wack.

All kidding aside, don't you feel a little off kilter when your desk or your closet is cluttered? You can't find anything and it makes you late for work or late for a meeting and then the act of being late throws the Chakras even more.

Today, laundry is giving my Chakras a run for their money. I can almost hear the pile calling me from the laundry room....

Do yourself a favor, check out http://www.dailyom.com/

Getting Ready To Throw A Party? Well, then, its project time!

2008-12-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

Seriously? You would think that I would learn. Although, there is nothing like a deadline to get the wheels in motion. I started a major kitchen project before the end of school last year and I have been trying to finish it ever since. I had the right idea, starting when the kids were in school, but then when the summer hit the project stopped dead. We have been living with a half done kitchen. Fortunately, I am not doing any remodeling. Nothing structural and no new appliances or counter tops so the kitchen is usable - its just looked really strange for a long time. I don't necessary love to paint but I can and I do but the mood has to strike me. On Sunday it struck. I worked with this wonderful color consultant at Strosniders in Bethesda. Her name is Patricia and thank goodness for her! I knew what I wanted but she confirmed that I was making a good choice and went even further by laying out chips of the other colors in the surrounding rooms showing me the over all look would be. GENIUS! I will post a before and after picture when I am all done. Just know this - Lots of Paint! I have painted everything but the fridge and the stove. :-) Anyway, so Monday afternoon (after I returned from an OM Home job) I started and today I continued. I completed the first coat of paint on all the walls, touched up the cabinets, painted an appliance (what? they did it on Trading Spaces!) and got everything cleaned up by the time I had to get the kids. OH, and most exciting part - I started ANOTHER project. Now, this is where I even scare myself. Here I am rushing to finish the kitchen before I host Christmas Day dinner here and while I am working on finishing the project I begin another. HUH? Why am I doing this? I am just asking for my husband to shake his head and say "can't you just leave well enough alone?". Guess not. But, here's the thing - it isn't "well enough". Give me a can of paint and I can make anything better!!! I think I need to add this to my website.

I will give you a little hint on the new project. It is by the front door and we keep coats etc in it. I saw a picture in a magazine. A DIYer did something similar with this same space and I was inspired to follow her lead.

GIRL POWER!

speaking of which....at the hardware store on Sunday my husband saw some friends as he was heading to the check out. he was carrying the basket with the paint etc in it. his friends something like "doing some painting" to which my husband replied "no, my wife is". "YOUR WIFE? " they replied.

GIRL POWER! Want something done. Just Do It!

It's Not Easy Being Green.......

2008-12-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Eco this and Eco that. Recycle here and Recycle there. I'm guilty. I have the big tubs from Ikea that stack - one for paper, one for plastic, one for glass. We do our best to reduce our carbon footprint but then I still drink bottled water and get a Starbucks cup every time. But, this holiday I have found another way that I can make a little difference. I am NOT going to buy another roll of wrapping paper. I am going to wrap my gifts in newspaper. Yes, you heard me. The Washington Post to be exact. We get the paper everyday so there will be plenty to spare. Every year I buy wrapping paper for it just to end up in the trash. Sure, "paper" is recycled but only if someone puts fourth the effort. The way I figure it, by using the newspaper I am getting another use out of it BEFORE it hits the can. I am going to splurge on fancy ribbon so it will still look festive (and the ribbon is more likely to be reused).

Happy Wrapping!

Too Embarrassed

2008-11-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine purchased an OM Home gift certificate for another friend. I, personally, think that a gift certificate to OM Home makes a wonderful gift but it is important to make sure that the gift will be received well. In this case, the recipient felt too embarrassed to accept the gift certificate and in turn the help. Honestly, my OWN house is a disaster from time to time. I have two kids who look at me like I have 3 heads when I ask them to pick something up and, frankly, sometimes I don't feel picking things up either. Clutter Happens and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I have been in garages, attics, basements, laundry rooms, closets that were so stuffed that I had to pull stuff out from behind the door before I could get the door open! I have seen it all and not once did I think of the owner of the clutter as anything but an a fellow over-extended person, running the rat race with the rest of us, prioritizing on the fly. Lets be honest, on the To Do List of Life, organizing gets pushed to the bottom. It is ok. Let me help.

Favorite Find - Smart ART for Kids

2008-11-23T08:49:00.001-08:00

I LOVE these canvases.

A go-to gift for kids of any age!

$48.00 from Smart Quotes ForKids

http://www.smartquotesforkids.com/

Favorite Find - See Ya Wine Jewelry

2008-11-21T06:46:00.001-08:00

Ok, in my family, especially during the holidays, we get our wine glasses all mixed up. For the last two years I have written our names on masking tape and stuck it on the glasses. Sure, sure, there is wine jewelry but, sadly, people forget which one they had. Another option of course are the catchy plastic bracelets that say things like "wasted" or "shattered". These are good when you are hanging out with some friends but during the holidays, well, I can't really suggest that my mother in law put a hot pink plastic bracelet that says BOMBED on her wine glass.

PROBLEM SOLVED! These glasses are INGENIOUS! I just wish I had thought of it (I came close with masking tape). $3.00 each from Pier 1. Dishwasher safe (I am told)

Favorite Find - Ottoman/Table/Extra Seating OH MY!

2008-11-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Ryan Ottoman with Nesting Stools is a favorite find for small spaces. A client of mine saw it first and asked me about it. I went mad for it and we bought it for his living room. The stools fit into the ottoman and table top turns over and fits snugly creating an all over leather ottoman. If you have a small room and will need extra seating occasionally, this is a great option. It comes in brown and black (I think) leather and is very attractive. $299.00 from World Market

Make A Difference

2008-11-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

I know that I am not alone when I tell you that one of the top 5 things that I want to do in my lifetime is Make A Difference. Sure, I know that I make a difference in my children's lives and my friends lives and my familys lives but beyond that I want to know that I am giving back in some way. So this is the email that I received from a client:

"hey there! You have totally turned me into a compulsive
cleaner! I can't wait to show you what I've done! I decided just
to put my CD's in albums. I like having them and it has been an
incredible
space-saver!"

Check making a difference off my list! :-) When we started working together, this client didn't know where to start and the number of projects she felt she had around the house was too overwhelming. Now, after 6 days together she is off and running. I am thrilled that when she approaches a project or challenge now she has the confidence and know-how to come up with a solution!!!

You GO GIRL!

Before & After - The Impact 2

2008-11-19T13:04:00.001-08:00

This is the same house as in the post before. Here is the den before. Another room that is used frequently by the parents and the children. It is off the kitchen, behind the dining room.

How does it make you feel?

Here is the same room after OM Home.

How does it make you feel now?

Oversized items were moved and the furniture was rearranged. Nothing new was purchased. Some of the furniture was sold on consignment, some was given away to friends that could use it and some was repurposed elsewhere in the house.

Before & After - The Impact

2008-11-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this living room. This is the first room off of the foyer. The family does a lot of entertaining and this room gets a lot of use.

How does it make you feel?

______________________________________________________

Here is the same room after OM Home.

How does it make you feel now?

Where have you been?

2008-11-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

So, last night at bunco my friend told me that she goes to my blog frequently and noticed that I hadn't updated it with any new blogs. First of all, THANK YOU Kirsten for reading my blog!!! Second, I apologize for being away but creating a website has taken up all of my spare time. I am almost done and ready to launch it. I am racing against the clock because I want to get it up before Turkey Day.

I'll be back...........

Calm The Beast

2008-10-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

So it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it (and it may as well be me @ $65/hour!).

This picture is to show how much stuff I actually had to move.

Shelving Before: Shelving After:

With a project like this you are going to get dirty so just get in there and don't worry about it. Hauling stuff around and from a garage is hard work - some may say "MANs Work" but if the man won't do it hire OM Home or another professional organizer to do it. This is a two car garage! There is loads of space in here. There must have been 80 balls of various types (ie. soccer, basketball, football) because there are three kids in the family. There were also bikes and skateboards and bats and hockey sticks.....I gathered them all together and put them all in one place for the home owner to sort. Further, the shelving that was there was so hardly being used. By simply sorting and grouping and putting things on the shelves they are easier to see and get to. Once everything is sorted and put away and what can be is off the floor it is time for my favorite part, sweeping! I LOVE sweeping the garage. There is just no reason for leaves and dirt to be in the garage. A freshly swept garage is the BEST. Really. I clean my garage regularly. Even a clean garage can bring peace to your life. It always does for me!

OM Bedroom

2008-10-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

This was a great project! We worked on the two closets, the drawers in both dressers (eliminating one!) made the room feel more spacious and added a chaise at the foot of the bed. Ahh, OM! Start to Finish - 5 hours.

Use What You Have (aka RePurpose)

2008-10-31T06:01:00.001-07:00

I LOVE to use what I have or "repurpose" items around the house. If you give yourself a minute to look around you never know what you might come up with. Here I came up with a way to hold ribbon. A slight modification to the Martha Stewart boxes with gromet holes, I used a clear Container Store container. The lid holds the ribbon in place and keeps it from spooling to fast while still allowing you to pull and CUT!

Another fun repurpose that I did in this same space was to take a clear shoe bag and use it to store art supplies like pens, pencils, paints, paint brushes etc. Hang it over the door next to the art table and Voila!! instant organization right at your finger tips!

At Least Someone Is Organized!

2008-10-31T05:53:00.001-07:00

I am so busy organizing everyone else that I am a mess! I am trying to get my website up and running but it is hard to find the time, not to mention I have NO IDEA how to build a website. I need a day just to learn how to do it! I will keep my blog and chronical projects and post tips etc. but a website is so essential that I can't wait any longer.

I am using a program called Sitebuilder and I will be hosting my site with Homestead.com A woman that I met recently has a BEAUTIFUL site that she created using this program. She offered to help me design mine. As I always say "it takes a village".

I hope to get something up by Christmas. Check out my holiday logo:

A Room To Serve Many Purposes

2008-10-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

Back to my friend in the apartment. The apartment has two bedrooms. One the girls share and the other is a combination of my friends bedroom and her daughters art room. It was basically a nightmare so I spent about 3 hours rearranging and organizing to try and make 3 rooms in one work - a bedroom, a computer room and an art room. I am pleased with the results.

Complete Redo And I Didn't Take A Before Picture!

2008-10-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

I could kick myself!

A friend of mine moved into a new apartment a few months ago. You may recall that I spiffed up her bathroom for her a few blog entries back. Anyway, she has two daughters in grade school and works full time so as you can imagine there isn't a lot of free time. It was all she could do to get them all moved in days before school started. So, her apartment is my "project" and she is psyched to have a friend that likes to organize!! You will never understand that transformation that took place today between the hours of 11am and 2pm becuase I didn't take a BEFORE PICTURE. I could cry. Put it this way, my husband saw the apartment on Saturday and when I showed him the picture that I took today his comment was simply "Unbelievable" followed by "What? You didn't take a before picture? Oh man"

In an effort to help you understand I am going to try and describe the situation. It is a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a kitchen/living room combination. A familiar layout I am sure. It is common for every chair to be draped with jackets, sweaters etc. and the dining table to be covered in papers etc. The dining table (also a writing desk) is a perfect match with the cabinets in the kitchen. It is beautiful but it made literally no impact in the apartment where it was. It was right next to the sofa between the sofa and the pantry cabinet in the kitchen. It was awkward. I knew I wanted to change it but I wasn't sure how.

In the kitchen was a large white armoir. Another beautitful piece. It was big and it wasn't being utilized. I made a note to myself.

Without hesitation I moved the dining table into the kitchen. I place it longways with 2 chairs on either side. It fit. I was underwhelmed. It was ok but didn't really do it for me. I knew I was on to something but I had to give it some more thought. I sat down on the sofa where I could see the kitchen and the living area. I looked at the wall across from the sofa and all I could focus on were the cords stretching from behind the TV to the cable hook up. UGH, the cords. I hate cords! I looked back at the kitchen. And the back to the wall again. Back to the kitchen and..... THAT's IT! The white armoir in the living room with the TV IN IT!! Solves the cord issue and the DVD clutter issue around the TV. Once the armoir is moved we can put the TV along the wall and create a suitable and, better still, romantic dining space.

It pains me to not have before pictures. Here are the after:

She is going to hang the mirror up on the wall between the plates. So pretty!

I will have to post a testimonial from her. She called me a genius. She was absolutely thrilled about what I had done. She said she felt like crying. We were both really, really pleased. I am so proud of this transformation. I am proud to say that we did all this with only things that she already had and we did this in about 1 1/2 hours.

Q&A

2008-10-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Melissa suggested that I incorporate a Q&A on my blog and was kind enough to ask the first question:

"How do you manage all the papers and to do's that come home with the kids from school? I have a pile of papers requesting a response or an action on various dates/weeks. The school is constantly requesting donations due on certain dates, collecting box tops, homework assignments not due for weeks, forms for buying t-shirts, cookbooks, wrapping paper, popcorn, and the kitchen sink! I get forms for field trips, reminders of websites to visit, reminders to wear a crazy hat on tuesday, volunteer oppotunities, etc. etc.. I can't keep up with it all and the pile is growing and I am losing track of what I need to do and when! Please give me some tips for controlling my chaos!"

Thank you for the question, Melissa. Unfortunately, because I am not standing in your home, I can not give you specific ideas suited to your specific needs but I can give you my initial thoughts. I hope they help.

#1 you need to have a COMMAND CENTRAL. I have found that the home office is not a good place for command central. It needs to be in the kitchen or in the hallway very near the kitchen. (But preferrably in the kitchen). Some good spots are on the back of the pantry door or inside cabinets (on the doors) above a counter area IF the doors are big enough. You need to be thinking BIG.

#2 A DRY ERASE CALENDAR is a MUST. You will need to determin how big it should be based on how much information you will need to keep track of it (keep in mind, as Nick gets older you will have to keep track of two kids on the same calendar). There are so many options. I like the super huge ones that are soft and roll up. This calendar can be quickly stashed when you have guests.

#3, for the papers that come in and go out you need a system (folders work) labled TODAY, TOMORROW, NEXT WEEK for instance. I found some great folders by Staples. I picked them up at the grocery store but you can get them at Staples too. Here they are: http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?&storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&partNumber=533539

Tying it all together: If you opt for a large MAGNETIC dry erase calendar you can hang cool magnetic wire baskets (Container Store has good ones) on the calendar and you can collect things like pens, stamps, note paper and the box tops in the containers. Also, if you get the super strong magnets (Container Store) you can hang the folders on the calendar too. If you go with the soft roll up kind of calendar you can either buy a magnetic strip or two (Container Store) and hang the folders from it as well as the little baskets. If you aren't into magnetic velcro is anothe good option.

I am sure you have drooled over the "systems" from Pottery Barn. Who wouldn't? They are so attractive but expensive. My budget doesn't like expensive and truthfully, thanks to the Real Simple line, The Container Store and Target you can accomplish essentially the same thing for less.

Let me know if you would like some help building a system. If you have a system but it isn't quite working and you just need a new perspective - I am good for that too!

My motto - keep it simple!

Good Luck!!!!

Stephanie: Day 2

2008-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today was day 2 of Stephanie's whole house project. I couldn't wait to get into the basement/rec room. I started strategizing last night and had a hard time falling asleep!

I started promptly at 9:00am and finished at 2:15 with just enough time on the clock to go over what I had done.

The first day Stephanie was with me but today she had a few things to do so she was gone most of the time. I am comfortable working either way. In this instance, as Stephanie told me later, it was good that she left. The basement looked MUCH worse before it looked better which is not for the faint at heart.

When I was finished and she came down for the big reveal she looked around and said "How do you do this?" To which I truthfully replied, "I don't know". Why hadn't I run in the other direction? There was stuff upon stuff upon stuff upon stuff and I just got right down to business.

The public has spoken...

2008-10-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

well, my husband and my sister-in-law have spoken. They like the original logo much better than the new one I created.

Thanks for the feedback!

Trying out a new logo....

2008-10-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hum, not sure which one I like better. Here is the old one again:

I like the sitting one. I think it conveys "OM" much better. I am going to sleep on it.

Do What You Love.......

2008-10-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying "Do What You Love......And Never Work A Day In Your Life" Or "Do What You Love .......And The Money Will Follow"? I think my Mom gave me a book with one of those titles. At the time I thought that it was a nice sentiment but I didn't really think it had a literal meaning. I feel differently now. Don't get me wrong, I am not racking in the big bucks here (yet) but doing what I love and what come natural to me does not feel like work. I hope that people find my blog and read it. I hope that I can be a source of inspiration for other woman (and men). And I hope that OM Home is successful and that it can be a spring board for other businesses. I have a few talents lined up that I will share with you very shortly. Stay tuned. ........

(Oh..and, I just want to put this out there. Blogging, is like talking to yourself. I guess that is no big secret but having never blogged before I am just now getting that. Try it. It's pretty cool.)

"Don't worry......."

2008-10-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the pleasure of working with my friend Stephanie. When I was so quick to start pulling things from her drawers and cabinets she said, in a nervous and suprised sounding voice "OH.....here we go...." to which I responded "don't worry........". I could tell that it the experience was initially a little uncomfortable, after all, I was going through, seeing and sorting all of her stuff and/or junk and/or trash and/or the random items that always find their way into drawers and cabinets and you wonder how or why but you NEVER expect that anyone ELSE will see the randomness. But, remember, we ALL have stuff, junk, trash and randomness.

I realize that it is hard to let go. How hard it would be to watch someone literally pull apart your private life, but every client that I work with will have my word that I will hold any and all information that I may be privy to, while working with a client, confidential. Trust and Honesty are very, very important to me. And equally as important to me is that after I have pulled your life all apart, I put it back together for or with you so that it can be more peaceful or more harmonious or a little less chaotic.

As the morning went on we got into a groove and had a great time! Stephanie worked right along with me and sifted through papers etc while I contined to pull things out and make sense of what was there and how it should go back. This project is unique because it is a WHOLE HOUSE project that will probably take 2 or 3 phases. Phase 1, which we started today, is 6 days varying from 3 hours to 8 hours a day. Because it is a whole house project we are working multiple rooms at once. It is exciting to start a project like this. We made tremendous progress today. We have our work cut out for us but when we are done there will be systems in place that the entire family can use AND there will be increased peace and harmony which is a benefit any way you slice it!

We started in her home office.

Overall After

I put everything away and hid what we still have to sort through. :-)

The breakfast bar is really more like "command central" and it will get cluttered again becuase that is what happens in a busy household. The trick, however, is to have the systems in place to try and keep the clutter to a minimum. This little picture here is of the top of the breakfast in the kitchen.

"Houston, we have a problem"

Ahhhhhh, all clean now!

I love the "stationary caddy". I created this for my sister-in-law too. It is so much easier and certainly more efficient and takes up WAY less room if you just put all of the note cards in one easy to grab box and throw all the individual boxes away. Same goes for the "envelope caddy". How did I get so smart!?

And finally I want to share what we did with the principal desk space. Stephanie has a laptop that she primarily uses from the island in the kitchen. However, the computer here is where she prints from and it is the computer that the younger girls use. I think it might also have iTunes on it (very important). Anywho, I wanted to clear off the top of the desk and under the desk and knew how we could do it. Here is the result:

The cords on the right hand side will be hidden. Cords drive me NUTSO!

exit chaos, enter calm OM

No, I am not paying them to say these things! Thanks Mo!

2008-10-08T14:17:00.001-07:00

"I truly cannot say enough about Nicole’s efforts to help me get organized.
My desk area was piled high with papers, pens, pads of paper, coat hangers
(yes), and various other things that do not belong on a work desk. I looked at
the piles of papers for days, weeks and months thinking, “What am I going to do?
When am I going to have time to tackle that mess?”

What is so amazing
about Nicole is that she immediately had a plan. She discussed the plan with me
and then just got going. In the end, every drawer, cabinet and filing cabinet
was simplified and streamlined – I could see and find everything!

When
she came over a second time and started working on my basement, I was amazed
when, a few hours later, it was completely organized and re-arranged to function
more usefully. And, she even got my oldest son to help!

Nicole, you are
INCREDIBLE! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have saved me many sleepless
nights!"

-Maureen Heim, Kensington

Kathy's Craft Room

2008-10-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working in my sister-in-law's "craft room". Kathy and her husband did a whole house renovation/rebuild a few years back and in the plan was this wonderful room where she could do everything from scrapbooking to wrapping to filing recipes - her current project. I covet this room! Any closet crafty would. I had a great time just dumping and sorting and tossing and filing and reorganizing. I hope to go back and actually outfit her with a scrapbook starter kit! I promise to upload pictures shortly but for now here is the testimonial she just sent me.

"Nicole arrived at my home yesterday to organize our family craft room which,
for the last three years, has been more of a “catch-all” than a craft room. She
spent roughly two plus hours organizing, storing, filing and tossing to turn
this small room into a now usable craft room. My youngest son is looking forward
to getting the paints out and I’m looking forward to starting on that scrap book
I keep talking about. Thank you Nicole! Job well done!!"

-Kathy Phelan,
Potomac

Here are some of the pics:

Can you feel the peace? Seriously. What a difference OM Home makes! :-)

I couldn't have said it better myself. :-) Thanks Kelly!

2008-10-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

"Nicole is a wondefully organized person. She came to my house and within
two days (about 5 hours total) she completely emptied, gutted and organized
shelves in our stroage room that were literally covered in dust from a recent
construction job. We had belongings stuffed so far back in those shelves, that I
hadn't seen them in years!! I would highly reccomend Nicole for any organizing
job. She saved my sanity and my time. I could never have done what she did. "

-Kelly Sullivan, Bethesda

The Heim's Basement

2008-10-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while at Maureen's with the kids, I decided (since I am terrible at sitting idle), to work on her basement. This is a wonderfully LARGE project with lots of layers. The space is fantastic. There is loads of storage, a bedroom/office, large laundry area, and rec room area with a fireplace and french doors to the backyard. The potential is amazing! Maureen and I have lots of long term plans for the basement. Yesterday, I just got out the elbow grease and pull it together a little bit.

While the kids played I organized, sorted and put away the toys.

All of the toys were put away in the "play area" and all of the video game and Wii cords are in the TV armoire. Maureen's oldest helped me clean up this area.

"This is brilliant"

2008-10-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

....Is what my dear friend and colleague, Kara, said about my business. You can not imagine how amazing it felt to hear her say that and to see the enthusiasm on her face. She gets it. She gets me. We work on a number, if not all, of our real estate transactions together. She is my mentor and my inspiration. She is amazing and has taught me so much. She knows what my strengths are and she knows who I am and she did not hesitate one single second when she saw my card. "OM Home" made complete sense to her and she said "This is brilliant." Kara and I are both what you call action people. We are doers. If something needs to be done we do it. We don't mind if we get dirty or hurt (oh the injuries!). If it needs to be done you can be sure we will hop to it without hesitation. It was truly amazing the way she validated my idea and wanted to support my dream.

To Kara, and Alice, Maureen, Kathy, Julie, Lara, Kelly, Karen, Michelle, my Mom and all the other family and friends who support me in this venutre, I THANK YOU. Because of you and your support I AM making this happen.

Sullivan's Storage Room Day 2

2008-10-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

At the end of Day #2 (2 hours) everything had a place. The tools that were in multiple containers, bags and boxes are all in the toolbox. The lightbulbs, ziplock bags, toilet paper and paper towels are all together and readily available. The batteries, which were thrown in a plastic container, are now in an easy to carry caddy :-) and the extension cords are all together in a basket that, again, is at the ready. The extra cleaning supplies are under the sink and the broom, mop and vaccume are stowed nicely between the two cabinets and will soon be hung on the wall.

Sullivan Storage Room

2008-10-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

My friend Kelly gave me a job that I can REALLY sink my teeth into. Here are some shots from today:

This is a large room and makes an amazing space for storage. The job is to essentially empty the contents, sort, organize and put it all back in here or find more suitable places.

Kelly and her husband just completed a major main level renovation. While the work was being done they "lived" in the basement and this storage room not only served as a place for everything that had to be removed from the main level but also the KITCHEN!

This room is also the dog's room. Oh she will be so happy when I am done.....

Since the renovation has been complete the family has kind of abandoned this room. Stuff is thrown in and has been pulled out. You would be amazed at all the stuff I found in here.

This area here is in the deepest, darkest corner of the shelving. I couldn't wait to get in there and drag all that stuff out.

There were still boxes full of breakables in the storage room. China and crystal that Kelly had a place for in her new dining room. I took these boxes up for her and she got busy unpacking them.

This is a picture of the job about 1/2 way done. I think that the best way to tackle something like this is to pull everything out and put it back. It can often look WAY worse before it looks better.

I did a lot of dusting and vaccuming because of the drywall dust and concrete dust that resulted from the construction above. It is always a good idea to clean the space before you start putting stuff back.

I stopped working at 2:00 today. I am pleased with what I accomplished. I was able to put the storage room back together. Here is the after picture:

The doggy has a new bed made of a remnant and a extra throw rug. Very comfy.

Believe it or not, everything in the before picture, with the exception of the white cabinet, the white table and bags of clothes is still in the storage room and I only filled one trash bag.

The brown cabinet is full of Kelly's "winter project". Boxes and boxes of pictures.

The tins here are old dog food tins. I found them back in the back of the deep, dark hole. They are now full of dog food and dog bones!

When I go back I will work on the small utility room adjacent to the storage room. I piled all kind of things in there like batteries, extension cords, tools, cleaning supplies etc. That is going to be another fun project!! Stay tuned.

A Rainbow of Crocs

2008-09-30T06:07:00.001-07:00

how cute is this?

i found it still on my camera when i was uploading pictures

from a project. i just had to post it here.

Would you PLEASE put your shoes in the closet!

2008-09-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Closets are the worst. It seems like as soon as you declutter they are cluttered again. I couldn't take it anymore and I decluttered and sorted this closet in about 15 minutes yesterday. Because I had "systems" it was easy to put things back where they belonged.

before

After:

Today's Inspiration

2008-09-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

I just received this note from a friend. She is amazing. A total lover of life. What an inspiration.

Hi Nicole,

I love your blog on organization. What a neat idea for a side business. When I lived in McLean, my neighbor and I once had a decorating business called "The Woman's Touch - Budget Decorating" and it was so much fun. We went into the client's home and looked at the whole house and pulled items from one room and placed them more attractively in another room and pulled colors together. We also made accent pillows, painted pieces of furniture, made curtains out of bed sheets, wallpapered (once with wrapping paper and another time with maps), etc. I loved it! You obviously have great organizational skills and will have fun at the same time.

There is no time to waste

2008-09-29T15:08:00.001-07:00

My real estate business is chugging along but since I can't predict what the market is going to do over the next 3-6 months (or tomorrow for that matter), there is simply no time to waste. I am going to be as productive as I can with every little minute that I have. So here it goes.

OM Home is officially open for business.

My Services:
Organizing and Decluttering
Storage systems
Closet Design Consultation
Closet System purchase and Installation (Elfa)
Furniture Rearranging
Household/Lifestyle Management
Relocation Packing and Unpacking (light packing. I'm not a moving company.)

**I will take to Goodwill or another donation station (what I can fit in my car) for you.

Serving the following areas: Vienna, Arlington, McLean, NW DC, Georgetown, Dupont, Logan, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Kensington. (Other areas on a case by case basis)

$65.00/hr

2 hour minimum
48 hour cancellation
Time spent shopping for supplies charged at an hourly rate ($70)
Supplies billed at cost

Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors. I will continue to update this blog with before and after photos and testimonials!!!

I can't control what is going on so I'll move the furniture!

2008-09-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my Mom this morning about the economic situation that America is facing. "It is a time to tuck in" she said referring to not spending money if you don't have to and just, basically, waiting this out. This is a scary time for so many. People have lost jobs and homes and those who haven't are worried. I'm worried. When I get worried or stressed or feel like I don't have control over what is going on, I rearrange or organize something. Seriously, I know that it sounds strange but I do. I might rearrange the furniture in my living room or I might grab some left over paint from the storage closet and paint the walls a different color. I might organize my linen closet or my children's rooms. When I am nervous and need to point my energy towards something, organizing always perks me up and keeps me productive.

Rearranging the furniture in a room can have such an enormous impact on how you feel in that room. Try it.

What is OM Home?

2008-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life just gets overwhelming and I need some down time. I'm talking the no thoughts, no worries, peace and calm down time. I have friends who find this when they exercise or read, paint, write or sing, and others who light candles and take a long, hot bath. I, believe it or not, find it relaxing to organize. I love to find order among chaos. I love to make things work better and more efficiently and I LOVE to make things look better.

Enjoy more freedom, balance and peace of mind. Becoming organized is really about changing lifestyles and quality of life.

I started thinking that in this day and age where there is an emphasis on health and well being and of organizing (Thank you Clutter Busters and NAPO) maybe the connection I find to peace and calm in organizing isn't so far fetched. Maybe I could bring a little peace to the lives of other busy wives, mothers, professionals that don't have the time (or the desire) to tidy up.

The word OM is typically used during meditation to help reach a state of calm and relaxation. Meditation using OM can help to greatly reduce your stress and to center your body and mind.
I found this definition for OM and thought it was perfect!

OM Home

exit chaos, enter calm

My Home Needs Some OM

2008-09-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Maureen, has 3 young boys and is starting a real estate career. Her home office is in the addition where there is also a TV area and a mud room with access to the side door leading to the driveway. It is a very high traffic area. All three areas are prone to clutter. She really needed some help sorting, tossing and organizing to make the space work more efficiently.

EXIT CHAOS, ENTER CALM

Before

After

How we got there is the fun part!

The hutch was kind of a cluttered mess and it was broken. If memory serves, it had been broken for a few years!

Here we have the "table graveyard". This is where side tables, with no where else to go, come to get cluttered up.

I counted 40 coats on the hooks in the mudroom entry way. Shoes were scattered about just waiting to trip an ususpecting Aunt and there were miscellaneous things on the floor (ie. clothing to be altered??) and on the shelf that needed a more suitable home.

First let me say that the only things that were thrown out were trash and we filled one large trash bag with coats for GoodWill. Everything else that was there is still there.

I started with the desk. One of my first goals was to eliminate 2 of the 3 tables in the table graveyard. The best way to sort, toss and organize is to literally pull everything out and then put it all back. I emptied the contents of the hutch, the top of the desk, the drawers in the small file drawer, all three tables were cleared off and the top of the hutch was cleared off. Then I began to sort, toss and make piles of "to keep" items that I would put back in an organized fashion.

Maureen looked down at the floor, "I don't even know where to start" Just dig in.

I was in heaven! I knew where I wanted to go and I knew exactly how to get there. And the best part, I knew I could do it quickly and without spending one dime.

By cleaning off the top of the hutch and putting the printers there I eliminated 2 of the graveyard tables. While this location for the printers has turned out to be problamatic (Maureen is 5ft tall and the entire desk shakes when she prints), it served a key purpose during the initial phase of the process. The printers wil be moved to the table next to the desk and put one on the bottom shelf and one on the top.

Cords, cords, cords. When you use a laptop you can sometimes end up with a lot of cords on the desk. I did the best I could to push as many of them behind the laptop and I used tape to hold them in place. Maureen had drawings made by the children, and other papers taped to the back wall of the hutch. It was kind of a messy, haphazzard look so I took them down and will hang some inexpensive cork squares to create a pin board. I will also get some super cute push pins.

I pushed the 3 drawer chest under the desk as originally intended. It leaves less room for your feet but there is enough and it eliminates the extra room under the desk for clutter to grow. Plus, it gives the whole desk space a more tidy look.

The shelves inside the hutch got a good cleaning and organizing. Now Maureen can see what is up there. When I emptied the contents of the hutch I found a sonogram picture (her youngest is 6), the Holy Bible and, among other interesting things, a 10 year supply of pens and pencils.

This table makes a great place for the In Box and her working files. Unfortunately, since the printers are going to go there I have to find another place for the In Box and files. (On top of the tall file cabinet might work).

The TV viewing area was just fine but to make it look a little more cozy I borrowed pillows from the living room and moved the ottoman from against the wall by the door to the center. With 3 boys I am 100% sure that this does not look like this today but, oh well. We know it's possible. I am going to find some throw pillows at a discount store like HomeGoods so that the pillows can be returned to the living room.

In the mudroom I took everything down and out and sorted, tossed and organized.

I found the old trunk in the basement and brought it up to use for shoes and umbrellas. My favorite part about this is that Maureen can put a airfreshner inside to keep the stink at bay and when she has guests over she can just drop the lid to hide the shoes!

Time: 4 hours

Cost: Nothing but sweat

Materials: To be purchased $25-30 dollars

One thing that I have learned to do over time with my own stuff is to utilize what I already have. In Maureen's room, for instance, she had maybe 7-10 boxes of note cards each with just a few cards in them. I took one of the larger boxes and put all of the note cards together in it. The empty boxes were then used as dividers. The shoes in the mudroom needed to be contained. It wouldn't have been effective to put them in the closet because the kids need to be able to grab and go and we know that the shoes will rarely make it back into the closet. So, I walked around her house looking for a large basket or bucket or something that could house the shoes. In the basement was the trunk. Perfect! It was shoved under a work bench and was covered in dust. I asked her about it and if I could use it (assuming I could since it had clearly been forgotten). Presto! a home for the shoes.

"3 weeks and I still don't have bath towels"

2008-09-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday my dear friend, Alice, wrote me a check and asked me to be her personal shopper. FUN! Who doesn't love to spend someone elses money? She said "I desperately need bath towels, a bath mat and a shower curtain. I am never going to get it done. I just don't have time." Because I am in real estate I keep a very non-traditional schedule. I work weekends and evenings and during the day too but I often have pockets of time when the kids are still in school to run errands etc. This made perfect sense. I could help Alice by picking this stuff up for her while I was out and about. So off I went. I had about an hour and 1/2. First stop was HomeGoods - my FAVORITE browsing spot. I breezed in and breezed out. Nope, didn't have what I wanted. Alice had given me some perameters. She is divorced with two daughters so it is just the girls - shocking pink was the color she mentioned. Next stop, Linens N Things. Done and Done. They had exactly what I was looking for. I was in and out in 15 minutes with two big bags. On to World Market. Alice had mentioned that the model in her building had actual curtains for the shower curtain and she liked that. Using actual curtains gives a more formal, sophisticated look. World Market had just what I was looking for.

The breakdown:
Linens N Things: 4 Hot Pink bath towels and 4 Hot Pink hand towels 1 super soft Brown bath mat. $99.00
World Market: 2 Brown Velvet Curtain Panels 86" long. $70.00

I am on the look out for some large, brown frames and pink mats for pictures she has of the girls. If I can't find pink mats I will make them either out of card stock or buy white mats and color them.)

The No-Sew, Super Quick Way to use curtain panels for a shower curtain. Fold the fabric and snip little holes just big enough for the curtain hanger to fit thu. Presto!