PEOPLE magazine (sponsored) This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of InStyle®, PEOPLE®, and StyleWatch®. The opinions and text are all mine. How to find some " Me Time"! Something a lot of us don't get nearly enough of, but that is so important to our health, well-being, and of course, our sanity to give yourself a break. I personally don't get a lot of me time. I work full time, and I raise three kids full time. So between running kids to school, activities, playdates, working, housework, cooking meals, running errands, and volunteering in class, there's not a whole lot of time left over. And when there is I'm normally asleep ... or resting one eye while making lists in my head of the next day's to-do list, or trying to remember what that song was from last year … [Read more...]
12 Months of Baby Photo Shoots
Sometimes in the excitement and sleep deprived world of babies, we forget to embrace our camera and get all those must take pictures. While the possibilities for 'cute' baby pictures are endless, sometimes we don't know where to start. Here is a month by month guide for capturing the essence and cuteness that is your baby. One Month Look what the stork brought! Capture the excitement of the 'Welcome Home' moment with siblings or parents. (Photo credit: Leilani Photography) Two Months Did your daughter get your eyes? Did your son get your nose? Get up close and personal to savor the similarities. (Photo credit: Gabriela Koopmans Photography) Three Months Monthly onesies are all the rage but a change in your perspective takes a boring monthly photo to a lasting memory. (Photo … [Read more...]
10 of my Favorite Organizing Products
I’ve worked as a Professional Organizer for almost 18 years & there are a few things that I simply could not live without. There are also some “commandments” that I try to bestow on my clients & it never ceases to amaze me when they tell me that they hear me in their head sometimes… “Laurie would want me to purge this or Laurie would tell me that I don’t need to buy another set of dishes, etc.” I love my job & I hope you love some of my suggestions! Label Maker Thou shalt not hand write on file folders or the sides of boxes! It makes my eye twitch when I open a file drawer & see handwritten file folders. Unless you have the handwriting of an Interior Designer PLEASE use a label maker! You can also use the Avery Label Stock & use your printer to get fancy with fonts … [Read more...]
Easy Printables: Thank You Card Templates
I love my machines (computers) and I love mail, BUT nothing beats receiving a handwritten letter, note or card. Most of them are easy to store and are great mementos. When I receive cards I like to write the date or just the year (in the case of birthday or Christmas cards). They are really lovely to look back on. Download Thank You Bells On Cards Because I like to design things, it is interesting to see each card with different illustration and typography styles. Download Thanks So Much Cards A cost effective and inexpensive way to show your appreciation to someone is to give them a card. These ‘Thank You’ card downloads give you the opportunity to do just that. These cards feature simple design, festive colors and are easy to make; just print, cut and fold along the middle … [Read more...]
Gift Giving with Love just feels GOOD!
It’s that time of year when I LOVE finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. I’ll spend hours looking for something with a WOW factor. It’s my chance to think and determine what needs to be given and to make sure it fits with the person. Gift giving is way more fun than receiving them! I have found some wonderful options at Minted. A gift no matter how small is your chance to make a statement that you care about someone. A small or big universal way to show interest, appreciation, gratitude and a chance to strengthen a special bond with someone. It comes in so many shapes, sizes and forms. As beautifully written by Mother Teresa, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” As we approach the holidays, the gifts have been ordered and the shipments … [Read more...]
How To Choose the Best Size Chandelier for your Dining Room.
Picking the right light fixture for your dining room, foyer or entry hall can be confusing and difficult. Then, once you have figured out the right size, then you have to decide the perfect height. There are universal rules for you to consider to make the process easier. (PC: HGTV) Follow these easy tips to ensure your room is well lit and comfortable for your guests to enjoy. If you've just moved into a new home and haven't picked out dining room furniture, but want to start with a lighting fixture, simply add the length and width measurements of the room together. The number you get is the right size diameter a chandelier should be. For example, if your dining room is 12′ x 12′, a 24″ diameter chandelier would look great. But If you already have a table, it is … [Read more...]
