I carry a large purse. I have to be on the ready for the need of coiffed curls on girls or bandaged baby boo-boos. It's what a good mom does, right? Thing is, I can never seem to find what I need without an embarassing search through my purse. [Picture me, standing at the checkout with one child climbing out of the cart, another collecting a handful of candy that is strategically placed at her eye-level, one weighing herself on the giant scale down the walkway, another hitting me over and over in the thigh with the handicap pull-out counter, another one trying to sign the electonic pad with a real pen while I mumble that you'd think with everything I have in this black-hole of a purse I'd have my wallet.] Here is my new system. Simple double drawstring bags with a logo of the contents. Most of them are self-explanitory, but let me introduce you to one of my favorites. A while back I mentioned my traveling project bag. I have a couple of fears. ONE that I'll be somewhere I can't find food. TWO that I'll be stranded with lots of time on my hands and no project to fill them. To take care of my productiveless fear, I carry with me a small project. Usually it's a beading project. It's amazing what a few minutes here and there can produce. Another result is I am building a supply of these beaded bracelets that take hours to make. Want one?
Leave a comment. How do you organize your life?
I'll announce a winner Friday.
my purse couldn't be less organized, unfortunately. And that scene you mention happens to me over and over again, except with just one little hurricane instead of five wreaking havoc. I need to do better. But I need that bracelet even more, it's so gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteI keep my purse organized by keeping it small. My purse only fits my wallet, phone, gum, chapstick, lipgloss, camera (sometimes) and keys. And they all have a designated spot.
ReplyDeleteI have no small kids to worry about, but my purse is still a black hole. I use ziplock bags (that look really ROUGH these days, I might add) to keep things like coupons I might need while out organized. I use a free cosmetics bag to hold my feminine items. And, other than that, it's every item for herself.
ReplyDeleteI've lost 12 tubes of Burts Bees chapstick this way.
I want the bracelet!
You are BRILLIANT! I'm *totally* stealing your idea...(because that's what I do best. Take others ideas and run with them since I can't for the life of me come up with one on my own.)
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to organization, I get a big fat FAIL. I'm constantly looking for ways to better organize - it's bad when two people get married and they're both from very unorganized households. The only thing that comes close to being organized here is the linen closet, which besides linens, houses medications. I'm religious about putting everything back in the proper place in the linen closet. Because that's what people would see first when coming over to my house. (After they pass the messy living room and cluttered kitchen....)
I just try to keep it small and only take a couple things. I have a larger diaper bag always in my car for any emergency that might come my way.
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelet!
By the way, I found your blog through my friend Marianne a while ago, and I love to steal your sewing ideas!..Thanks for sharing.
I love those bags! The only organizing idea I can offer (because I'm not very organized at all) is to have a cute container for the clutter. If you can sort of group clutter together by category, and put it in a cute container, at least that's a step in the right direction. I also like to store my bracelets on a cake stand. The end.
ReplyDeleteImagine trying to find your debit card that you have haphazardly dropped into your bottomless pit of a purse making it impossible to find. I cannot tell you the number of debit cards I've canceled.
ReplyDeleteWho am I kidding? I have no organizational tips. I do carry a little purse that contains all of my receipts- which makes my wallet less bulky.
Oh my goodness that bracelet is heaven!
ReplyDeleteI use a purse brite organizer (as seen on T.V.) because I swap purses alot and it's easy to grap the whole thing out and drop it in a different bag.
Love it!
A few months ago I bought a little purse and tried that for a while, but I have recently decided to return to a large one. I found that the little purse had the same tendency to become a black hole, but with fewer compartments to organize all of my stuff. I like big purses with lots of compartments, but still, I too am oftentimes embarrassed at checkout....
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to look into Kelly's purse brite organizer.
Such a pretty bracelet! I don't carry projects around in my purse, but I do always have reading material handy.
Your mom said she needs to buy all new clothes after our mission. I think she needs a new beaded bauble near her hand.
ReplyDeleteWell, for me it would have to be organizing my craft items that I have accumulated since getting so involved in sewing (hmmm... I wonder who's craft month started off that kick). So I've been doing ribbons on dowal (SP?) rods, small materials in plastic jewelry containers, larger materials in a large diaper bag which contains MANY pockets (love that), and creating display boards for the girls room... which of course also allows me to enjoy all the work that I've been putting into my creations :)! It is so much fun. Next is adding a pocket for my cell phone on the new sling I made so I don't have to go searing for the in the draw-string diaper bag.
ReplyDeleteI love Burt's Bees bum cream. It's the best!!
ReplyDeleteI organize my life by blogging about it!! Please send me a bracelet!
ReplyDeleteI use a small purse so it limits how much I can hold. Though some of my items try to jump out. I have more trouble keeping to gloves than finding items in my purse.
ReplyDeleteHow did you make the bracelet? I want to make one : )
i am not at all organized so i don't feel like i could give a tip to others......but i REALLY REALLY love the bracelet!!
ReplyDeletemaybe you will pick me so at least i can look good while being so unorganized!!!???
Well, one of my New Year's resolution is to not procrastinate and I've broken that down into just putting things away after I've used them and to my surprise, I'm much more organized! Don't you just love positive unexpected consequences!? And Katy, you KNOW I would appreciate that bracelet like no one else!
ReplyDeleteThese bracelets are so great. I love, love love them!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say that I DO organize my life, but I don't really. I kind of go at it haphazardly. I am totally the girl DIGGING through her purse trying to find her wallet and the cashier thinks I have no money. Sad. Either way, I LOVE that bracelet. I am totally into ruffly looking things lately.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how many little bags or containers or folders I keep in my bag, it always stays messy...usually because I'm scrambling around throwing stuff inside. So I've found the best technique in keeping my purse somewhat organized is to take 5 minutes every day or every other day when I'm sitting on the bus or in a restaurant to clean it out and resort all the loose junk into those pretty bags I've created. :) I look kind of silly sometimes, but it works great!
ReplyDeleteI organize my life by writing lots of lists. I'm pretty sure if I had that cute beaded bracelet on my wrist that they'd turn out ten times better.
ReplyDeleteI have multiple bags. One for work and one to go out. I just have double of the essentials in them and only switch out my wallet and sunglasses.
ReplyDeleteI get overwhelmed by school papers - gems you are not sure whether to keep or not. I have an expandable file for each child - each tab has a grade. When it comes home and i can't bear to part with it (yet) - it goes into the file. At the end of the year i can decide whether to keep it or not. Love the tips - you seem like wonder woman!
ReplyDeleteTo-Do Lists
ReplyDeleteorganize---what does that mean. I try with all my might to keep things in order but it just doesnt work out sometimes! But ohhh how I love that bracelet. just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI do all the laundry for the week in one day, and I try not to plan too much else on that day. It's a movie/laundry day. Then I'll do all the paperwork, bills and phone calls on another day. And another day (sometimes the same as laundry day) I'll do some deep cleaning around the house. This way, I have about 4 others days in the week to do absolutely nothing! (Except cook, clean up daily messes, mail out new bills that come in, etc.) But it really is a nice system!
ReplyDeleteI try to organize but it tends not to last too long. I just updated my kids' storage in their rooms though in attempts to keep them more organized.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is delightful. I have just finished reading all of it (yes, ALL of it) and I am totally inspired. Your daughters are beautiful, and your projects are amazing. To keep myself (well, my crafting/sewing supplies) organized I have to buy clear matching storage containers. But they all have to be the same, so they stack up neatly. Beautiful beads!
ReplyDeleteI like to use the I don't have a purse method. It works best for me!
ReplyDeleteI love the bags you made for your purse. Genius idea!
ReplyDeleteI try and make sure everything has it's own place. Most of the time though everything is scattered around the house though.
I LOVE to organize so I will try to make this short. I picked a method a long time ago that works well for me - color/alphabetization. If it isn't labeled (like dvd's or cd's) than it goes in color order, ex: clothing, shoes, linens, cups, bowls...
ReplyDeleteI also have small bags that I keep in my large purse. A while back I made a wallet that fits everything (debit card, punch cards, business cards, etc) so I don't have to carry 2 wallets anymore.
Everything needs a space to be kept in, and I believe that beautiful bracelet's space is on my wrist.
Well, hmmmm. Organized? I think I've tried it all. Just put stuff away when you are finished.
ReplyDeleteOrganization is a full time job. It's constantly needing done. At work, I organize piles of papework; completed, needs filed, waiting for product, new customers, etc. I am so very anal about my piles because if something gets in the wrong pile, I might just forget about my very important customers. At home, it's a little more complicated. I have to organize me and my self proclaimed "anally organized" husband. What that means is his way of organizing is placing everything that does not have a place on the dining room table and in random drawers for me to find later. We have planners, schedules, label makers (best present ever-thanks mom!), totes, storage and lastly, the attic and garage. It's a full time job for just the two of us, I cannot imagine how you do it for 7 people. Are you going to sell these on your Etsy shop? I love the green...it's my favorite color and I have the perfect place for it. And it has a label.
ReplyDeletei cant believe you have time to make such intricate beadwork!you truly are supermama! i am very disorganised but i dont really have to be, for i have no children so i can be messy!
ReplyDeleteI like your mom's comment. I wasn't blessed with the 'organization' gene. I struggle but I try to keep order by trudging through the mundane--put my bag in it's spot when I get home, always hang up my clothes, always make my bed, and put all the toys back in their respective bins at night. Does that even count?
ReplyDeleteI don't have a purse. I carry an old backpack like bag as a diaper bag purse combo. My things in the front pouch diapers and snacks in the big pouch. Your way is really neat though.
ReplyDeleteI am really good at organizing things in my mind....but....thats as far as it gets!! sometimes a "to do" list...I need HELP!
ReplyDeleteI have a folder with plastic sleeves for each child and slip all their important school papers into them as they arrive. Sadly that is my only tip!
ReplyDeletehave a box and spot for everything and train Ava to use them. I seriously need help and have this dream that once I move my home will be perfect.
ReplyDeletesmall daily to-do lists always work well for me. 'Small' is the key or I become overwhelmed and snappy with the kids:)
ReplyDeleteLists, notebooks, journals. If they are organized and filled with good things and schedules, then I am organized and fulfilled!
ReplyDeleteI use a very small purse. It's chock full of Christmas receipts at this moment, but it's never too terrible because of its size. Other than that, disorganization reigns supreme!
ReplyDeleteMy purse is not exactly what I'd call organized, unfortunately. The only thing that IS organized in my life at the moment is all my crafting/scrapbooking/sewing supplies! I keep everything in clear boxes according to item. Stamps in one, paper in another (or 5), doodads and embellishments in another.. and the list goes on and on and on.. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to stop having children! The more children I have the less organized I am! just kidding, although there is some truth to both of those statements! But we (I) try to put everything away every night, I have baskets, bins, buckets, racks, shelves and closets for just about everything, and my kids know the system pretty well! But the system has become very slack as of late(4 children later), and we are trying to get it back on! And my purse has little bags(that I have collected over time, like a change purse from mexico, makeup bag from chirstmas gift, birthday present from amara) for different things, plus I have a small notebook in there to try and keep track of all the things that I need to do during that day or week.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am in some serious need of cute accessories,,so pick me!
I wish I could write a good answer for this... Hhhmmm, organization. Not my forte. I wouldn't survive without my iPhone, how about that? My purse, however is a lunchbag/garbage bag at all times. Not pretty. I love the bracelet, however!
ReplyDeleteMy purse is also an embarrassing tangle of items with a large number of loose papers thrown in. I wish I had a better answer for organization; my current "system" is going through and culling the contents every few weeks. I love the idea of a project on hand.
ReplyDeleteThis is an area that I do really well for awhile and then slip and flounder about. When I can commit and follow through with...everything has a home and needs to sleep their each night (this is what I tell my kids :)...then all is well. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that gorgous bracelet!!
I gotta tell you, I am terrible at this. I lose stuff all the time, I drive my husband batty with my "piles" and I have even been known to forget about appointments even when I was reminded about them the previous day. Oh well, the bracelet sure is pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only way I can stay organized is by writing every thing down (and use Sister Bissette effectively). Reading the comments above, I find it interesting how people perceive organization in there life. For some it's organizing tangible items, for others it is just scheduling or such.
ReplyDeleteSo I like to pretend to be organized by purchasing multiple cute calendars at the beginning of each year. This is a bad habit of mine, but I never end up using a single one of them after February!
ReplyDeleteMy professional life seems to be so much more organized than my personal life. Guess that's what a husband and kids will do to a woman...
Everything...and I mean everything has its place around here. From match box cars to kids art work to #2 pencils to hairbands.
ReplyDeleteI am a bin girl. A file box fanatic. I LOVE the container store.
My kids know where it all goes so the pick up is easy.
I am loving those drawstring bags. Brilliant.
Cuz, you can't fit a bunch of bins in your purse.
I am doing it.
I love the bracelet too.
You are such a talent.
love this idea - hope I win! if not, I'm so copying this anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteI stay organized by throwing stuff away. it's the only way it happens since I have awful organizational skills!!!!
I organize my life by controlling the amount of "stuff" in my house. I am a frequent visitor of Goodwill as I try to bring our family down to the essentials.
ReplyDeleteI organize my life by making a list every morning of things I need to accomplish, and then checking them off...
ReplyDeleteone
by
one.
I'm crossing my fingers!
How do I organize my life or how do I want to organize my life? hmmmm..I want to be better. I dont keep kids clothes in their rooms. Instead on a shelf in small bins by the washer and dryer so they go from the dryer to bin and no where else! It also lets them each have a dresser for treasures that I don't want laying around.
ReplyDeleteI try hard to keep organized, but I have found it very hard I have 3 kids so far, and the less "out" activities the better off I am ... Otherwise I try to cover my basics and hope for the best!
ReplyDeleteI try to keep essentials in one pocket. However, that usually means that all I'm able to ever really find is my lip balm or my perfume oil. Not anything truly useful like the changing pad or my wallet or my 'feminine products'.
ReplyDeleteSorry for using the words 'feminine products'.
I'm coming out of blog stalking because that's the prettiest bracelet ever. My purse? I thought a small one would keep me organized because less stuff would go in it, but it ended up being so packed full that I would embarrass myself at every checkout line trying to pry my wallet out. So I got a big purse. No more embarrassment at the checkout line.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Z – she IS wonder woman. I am certain of it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite way to organize is to get rid of stuff!
(ps. the bracelet is lovely, but must go to someone else, since I almost never wear more jewelry than earrings and my wedding ring.)
Lists. Cross my "to-do's" off as I go. And then, I purge. If we don't use it, someone else will so we are constantly making drop off stops to the thrift
ReplyDeletestore.
Great idea with the little bags inside a bag. I might just try it.
Happy New Year!
So adorable! Love the color. :)
ReplyDeletefleurgirl AT gmail DOT com
This is my problem...my life is so far from organized!!! I could use anything to help me out!
ReplyDeleteBut I am a big list maker...just need to be better about checking them off...oh...that is what the new years is for...dreaming of being better at what you are not good at!
I just carry a wallet in my hand and burts' bees in my pocket. always have. the small clutches make me look "in style". that darling bracelet would definitely jazz up my wallet though!!
ReplyDeleteI get motivated to organize when I buy something new for the space...that's how I get my husband to support my shopping habit.
ReplyDeletePurses are supposed to be organized? Seriously, I've never even thought about putting suck darling sorters in mine.
ReplyDeleteAnd that adorable bracelet? May just motivate me to kick into gear!
The more I try to organize my life the more unorganized I feel. I try and I try and I try but have not found something that sticks! I do like the bags in the bag method. I will have to try that.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a beautiful bracelet.
Am I too late? Count me in!
ReplyDeleteHI katy, you are going to wonder where in the world did this comment come from? But really I found you through Emily's blog and now I love to check in and see what cute projects you are up to. You have amazing talent and a darling family. Hope all is well for you in Florida. I also hope I win this darn cute bracelet!
ReplyDeletehey katie, i completely understand what it feels like to be digging through my bag like. kind of like 'Mary Poppins bag'. although i have never pulled a lamp from mine i do carry an umbrella among a long list of items. really i do refer to it as the 'Mary Poppins bag'. my huge wallet is impossibly hard to find among everything-- and i don't have to carry diapers any more! thanks for the fun story. it's nice to know that i am not the only mother that stands in a line with small children saying 'i know it's in here somewhere!' hugs from texas ~courtney
ReplyDeleteI linked over here from your sister Jordan's blog. Love the little baggie idea. Briliant. And adore the bracelet!
ReplyDeleteTo my husband's dismay - I organize my life, my husband's life, the lives of our four children and two dogs - with lists. To Do lists, grocery lists, clothing needs lists, wish lists, have to be done today lists, music that I need to check out lists, books to look for at the library lists, lists of things that will need a list. You get the idea, don't you? Some days this system works better than others.
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet is too stinkin' cute and would look really good on my wrist ---- writing out a list.
:)
Kim
klbarth@comcast.net
How to I organize my life?
ReplyDeleteLists and shoebox totes. LOL! Seriously though, lists of things to do, on index cards usually (the bright flourescent ones scream READ ME!) and every closet has tons of those cheapo little shoebox totes. With address labels on them to tell me what's inside!
~jill @ boobearybinks.blogspot.com
i've got to know what that silicone egg looking thing is PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteI suppose you must answer all comments by email, because I scrolled through ALL the comments hoping to find the answer to the question above with no luck. I just can't figure it out: What in the WORLD is that thing that looks like a clear egg with two yolks?
ReplyDeleteAlso, could you post a tutorial or at least a link to the instructions for how to make that bracelet? Or did you use a book or something?
Thanks a ton!
The egg is a splat ball. http://www.splatback.com/SplatEgg.html
ReplyDelete