When the Computer is Away the Blogger Will Play

My computer spent Thursday and Friday visiting with my husband's computer.  My operating system was being kind of twitchy, and my incredible, amazing, techy god of a husband very kindly offered to swap the OS on it for me.  So he spent 2 days backing everything up, installing a new OS and putting everything back for me.  He's a total sweetie!  Now, I get to have some fun relearning this OS and getting into my groove.  With my computer unavailable, I was a little lost.  I spent some time getting caught up on housework, and then I turned my attention to a little space that was in desperate need of some organizing.  One where the systems I thought would work, weren't working at all.

My almost emtpy, office nook.  I had to move the desk out of there for now.  The light from the afternoon sun was shining right on my computer, and I'd rather have the blinds open during the day.  But that left this space empty and an undefined space is a magnet for clutter.

The cluttered buffet.  Not too bad, but being on the wall by the entrance to the kitchen made it an easy target for those random items to start collecting.  And finally, the reason my husband found it painful to watch me have to pack everything up at the end of the day when I was using the dining room table...

Scary right?  Actually, this is pretty normal when I'm in the middle of a major project, or three.  That pile of stuff on the right hand side, is actually stuff I was using.  It may look like a hot mess to you, but that's the physical manifestation of my creativity at work.  Strangely, I function better like that than I do with everything in neat piles or filed away.  However, once the project is complete, everything goes away.  For the most part I like a neat work space, the messy times are reserved for creative stuff.

But as you can see things weren't working as well as I had thought.  That meant, back to the drawing board. Some times it takes a few tried to get everything just right.  I had been meaning to do a minor update to this space, but with computer busy getting all new and shiny, I thought I would tackle some major changes to the space.

Step one:  I used my room organizer and spent some time figuring out what this space needed, and how I could make it work for me.

Step two: Empty out the space.

Nothing to see here....

...or here!

Step three:  Sort, sort, sort.  With all the hubbub from getting the house ready for sale, then the selling of the house (yes we did finally sell it... yay!) I've pretty much pared down as far as I can go.  Everything I have, I use, or have a planned use for, with a few extras thrown in for surprise projects like "help your child build a wagon for their teddy bear at the teddy bear picnic next week".  But I still didn't skip this step.  Though I didn't get rid of anything, I did find a new way to store it.  :-)  I didn't take pics of this process, I kind of figured you didn't want to look at more mess.

Step four:  Clean the empty area and create a plan for putting it all back together.

Step five:  Put it all back together.

So what did I come up with?  Well, I finally gave up on trying to keep it pretty.  Functional was the name of the game all the way.  So the first items to go to a new home elsewhere were my wedding bouquet, and the two statues on the buffet.  They were taking up too much space.  In their place I dressed up some magazine holders.

Here's a side by side before and after comparison.

I've been pricing out pretty magazine holders, and decided to just two that I already had (here they are in the last photo on the post) and dress them up.  I picked up a pillow case from the dollar store, and finally joined the club, and bought some of the Martha Stewart bookplates.  I figure there are enough tutorials out there for covering things, you probably don't want to see another.  I just traced out the holders, added about 2cm extra (about half an inch) cut out and glued in place.  Added the bookplates and was done.  Best part, the pillow case was $2.00 and I only needed half of it, the bookplates were $4.99 for 6, total cost cost of updating the magazine holders was http://orgjunkie.com/2012/11/favorite-organizing-links-command-central-decluttering-tips-free-printables-more.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:%20ImAnOrganizingJunkie%20(I'm%20an%20organizing%20junkie!)http://orgjunkie.com/2012/11/favorite-organizing-links-command-central-decluttering-tips-free-printables-more.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:%20ImAnOrganizingJunkie%20(I'm%20an%20organizing%20junkie!)under $2.00/each.  Love that!

Since I was already on a DIY roll, I dressed up some empty coffee tins with scrapbook paper and ribbon that I already had on hand.  Added some stick on labels, again that I already had, and instantly had pretty holders for my sharpies and scissors.

And here is what the buffet is looking like now.

I moved the file-box off my desk.  I wasn't using it as often as I thought I would.  It was taking up valuable work space.  I still need access to the files, but not often enough to warrant desk space.

The peel and stick calendars really help fill in some wall space.  More importantly they'll help keep me on track.  Right now I'm testing having one for household stuff, one for blog stuff, and am using the middle for our actual schedule, kind of like my own copy of our family calendar.  Hopefully it will help me plan out my time better.  These were another Staples buy, I found them in the clearance section.  Regular $14.98 marked down to $9.99 with an additional 50% off because they wanted them gone.  Total cost $4.50 before taxes, I don't think I could have DIYed 3 dry erase calendars for that price.  And if they don't work out in the office, I have a few other homes picked out for them.

Inside, I changed things up a bit.

Since I stole our paper storage (magazine holders) I needed to find a new way to keep our paper neat and tidy.  I opted to use the drawer.  I can find what I need quickly.  The box on the left hand side is holding some odds and ends.  It's mainly there to help keep the paper from sliding around.  Down the road  I plan to pick up more trays like the black one.

Inside the cupboards I moved things around, some items found new homes elsewhere in the house.

I already had these white containers, I just popped on the bookplate so I can label them.  They're holding spare notebooks and paper samples.

With the extra space I was able to fit in our accordion file and my scrapbook paper storage.  I love that they are now tucked away, but easily accessible.

This little rolling cart has been moved over to the window wall.  All I really did with this was dress up an old magnetic board with some left over pillow case fabric, and put in on the front to hold some extra little office supplies.

They're now within easy reach.

And last, but not least, my desk!

I am in LOOOOOVE!

Remember my Office Inspiration post?  Well, I picked up my first item off my wishlist, this pretty little mail sorter from Martha Stewart Home Office.  It's holding everything I need and use daily. It can also stack onto other items from the same line, which means that down the road I can add to it.  Gotta love an organizer than can grow with you.  It was the biggest splurge at $14.99, but let me tell you, I wandered down the office storage aisle at our local Staples, and similar products were more expensive, or were made out of that cheap, ugly black plastic, and would have ended up costing me around the same after DIYing them.  So, it was well worth it!

I tucked my pens into a pretty cut glass vase I already had.

I needed to raise the computer up a bit, it was too low sitting on the desktop. The little wire shelf was one I already had on hand.  The bonus with the shelf is that it frees up some space underneath.

I already had the little wooden tray and I picked those little bowls up for $1.25/3 at the dollar store.  They're perfect for holding the little items I use most often.  Paperclips, binder clips, and then in the center are page flags, post-it notes, as well as some stick on divider tabs.  They're right where I can get to them.

And here is the space as a whole.

I've still got things I want to do.  I have some plain sheets that I'm hoping to dress up with fabric paint and turn into a desk skirt or cover to make the folding table look pretty.  The rolling cart is going to get a few coats of spray paint, and I'm toying with ideas for the window, and new window coverings.  Right now I'm thinking a faux roman shade might do the trick, but we'll see.  And the blank wall needs some sort of storage system, perhaps a book case or two, I'm not sure yet. I plan to dress up some clipboards to hang up on one of the small walls by the buffet, and possibly do a memo board on the other.  So, I still have a ways to go, but I'm getting closer everyday.

And you know something?  I'm totally in love with it.  Once I gave up trying to use the top of the buffet as more of a decorative space and embraced it as essential office real estate  it freed up so much more space on my desk and inside the buffet itself.  Now this space is really feeling like an office.  More, it's feeling like MY office, and I'm loving that.

Total cost to get it to this point:  $27.23 (plus all applicable sales taxes)  It's a win all around!

Do you have a space you just can't leave alone?  Do you ever find yourself changing things up alot until you find what works for you?  Any suggestions what to do with the window?

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The Organizing Junkie

New Nostalgia

Organize & Decorate Everything

An Early Christmas Present

Hi there everyone, Happy Halloween! There's a ton of stuff happening around here today.  I'm putting the finishing touches on our Halloween decorations, working on the printables for next month, and spending some time planning office organization.  A few weeks ago I shared pictures of my home office space (I still feel giddy just thinking those words)  and then I shared some of my ideas and inspiration boards in this post.  I had a lot of fun putting those inspiration boards together, and I've noticed that they're really helping to keep me focused on my goals for the space.

Until it's done, or at the very least, until I get a desk put in there, I'm content to set up at the kitchen table during the day, and take it all down before dinner.  It's not the best solution, but it's kind of working for now.  I'm still having fun tweaking things in my work area though, and to that end, I've made a few minor changes, starting with this!

I did say minor changes.  Travis helped me move the buffet over to the other wall.  I know, not all that exciting, but you see, this past Saturday, Travis and I popped into our local Staples while we were out and about running other errands.  Him and Dad were in there when my parents were visiting and they noticed that our Staples had a great selection of desks, and some of them were very nicely priced.  Travis just wanted to get an idea of what direction I was thinking of going with my workspace, so we had some fun browsing, discussing features we liked and didn't like.  That little trip gave me a lot to think about when it comes to my desk.  Part of me still wants to hold out until Spring when the garage sales and flea markets start back up again.  Part of me wants to wait until I take the plunge and we head off to Ikea (can you believe I haven't gone yet?) Mostly I don't want to rush into making a decision that isn't going to be something I'm happy with.

After looking at the desks I wandered through some of the other aisles and Travis found me looking at my newest addition to my office!

I should probably explain huh?  You see, after looking at all the desks, and not really seeing anything that screamed "Take me Home" I went off to browse organizers and storage boxes.  As I was turning around the end of an aisle I spotted the folding tables, and wandered over to take a look.  I've been saying for some time now that I would love to get a folding table or two for barbecues, kid's parties, crafting, Christmas baking, my list could go on.  I really  like that they add an extra work surface, but when you're done you can store them away.  As I was looking at the folding tables I had the thought that one of them would be the perfect stop gap while I'm figuring out my desk.  It would give me a surface to work on for the now, and down the road, when I'm ready to commit to a proper desk, or find a desk I absolutely love, I won't feel so guilty because the investment in the table isn't that much ( $35 for a 4' x 2') and I already have alternate uses planned for it

I had just had that thought when Travis found me.  I shared my thoughts with him and he totally got where I was coming from, and to my astonishment picked up the table right then and there.  Despite my protests that I didn't mean that we should pick it up that day, he got the table anyway.  You see, while I've been content to set up on the dining room table, Travis hasn't been content watching me do it.  He found it painful to watch me pack everything up at the end of the day only to have to bring everything out again the next morning, knowing that I'd be spending at least a good half hour getting everything put back so I could get back into the flow of the day before.  It's been really bothering him that I didn't have a work space to call my own.  His reasoning warmed my heart.  I know, that after all these years I shouldn't be surprised by these little surprises and thoughtful gestures, but every single time he does something like this, my heart melts and I am reminded all over again what an incredibly lucky woman I am to be married to such a thoughtful  loving, generous man.  It really is the little things, the thoughts and intentions behind the gestures, that mean so much.  I have the Best. Husband  Ever!

So now I get to play around with the office set up, figure out the best way to use what I've got.  And I'm totally loving being able to walk away from a project and not have to pack everything up. Not only did my fabulous husband give me the gift of a surface to work on, he fed my addiction for new things to organize.  I can't wait to start putting in some new systems, and playing around with things.  For now though, I'm going to head outside and get working on the Halloween stuff.

One more peek at my "desk"

Don't forget to drop me a line and let me know if there are any printables you're wanting to see in the Holiday Planner, Personal Planner, or for the Home Management Binder!

What gestures warm you heart?  Do you ever find yourself feeling incredibly grateful for the simple things?  Ever made the choice to go with a temporary set up while waiting for the real thing?

Growing an Office

This was supposed to be yesterday's post, but I ran into some troubles.  Really, the first clue that all was not going to go smoothly should have been the thought "I'll just quickly whip this up in Gimp!"  Ha!  First, I don't know Gimp well enough to quickly do the simplest things in it, and I was trying to create a collage of all my ideas.  Not a simple feat.  Then I had to look up tutorials to figure out how to do what I wanted.  (Note to self:  if I need to seek out a tutorial it is NOT going to be the quick and easy project I thought it would be.)  And finally, my stubborn streak kicked in and I was determined to do it in Gimp. The end result... I gave in, admitted defeat, fired up Inkscape, and was amazed at how quickly it all came together.  (I plan to remember this for next time!)  Now, FINALLY, here is the post I was planning on posting yesterday.

So, here we go.  As I mentioned on Wednesday, my office space is one of the spaces in our new home that I'm most excited about.  And to be completely honest, I'm a little scared to just jump in and set it up.  Aside from not having enough furniture for in there yet, there's also this burning desire to take my time, to make each addition to the space something I love, something that blends beautiful with functional.  I want to make it a place I will love for a long time.  I'm willing to spend some time waiting for it to come together, but I don't want to just go forward with no forethought or planning.  I have a board on Pinterest (here) for ideas, things that catch my eye, things that I think I will like.  I pulled some of those images together and thought I would share them with you.

First things first, you gotta have a place to start.  My place was with Liam's artwork, that white and blue combo made me smile, (and not just because he made it, but that really is the best part!) and when I went browsing through my Pinterest boards and noticed how much I seem to be drawn to blues and whites in office spaces, I was sold.  Without further ado, here's my inspiration board!

So, obviously idea number one is Liam's artwork.  The other three I already had pinned on Pinterest, looooong before we moved into our new home.

Number 2, I found here.  I have tried and tried to find the original source for this photo, but haven't found it yet.  If you know where it originated, please let me know, I would love to give proper credit to the creator of this beautiful space.  What I really liked in this one, was how they used a variety of different blues with pops of other colours to add personality.  It's a cohesive look with lots of character.

Number 3, I found here.  It's a craft room designed by Sarah Richardson for Sarah's House Season 4.  While I love the whole room, I chose this one for the use of wall space.  It's pretty, but still full of function.  And I really like the wall colour.

Number 4, I found here.  Again, loving the blues, here with the green, but what I really liked was the nesting desk.  I'm toying with some ideas for DIYing something similar.

It's one thing to look at pretty pictures and day dream about the possibilities, but there is an area that requires just as much (if not more) thought and planning.  How to store and organize all the supplies that fill an office space.  Below are some of my ideas for how to organize the space.

Stuff like this always makes me smile.  There are so many beautiful, useful pieces out there, I had to rein myself in and really think about the space I have and how best I can utilize it.

Number 1:  GODMORGAN organizers from Ikea.  These would be perfect to organize smaller items in a drawer.

Number 2: LACK wall shelf.  I'm thinking 2 of them above the desk would be a great use of the wall space. Using two would allow me to store more items, but still keep it feeling uncluttered.  These ones are two long for where the desk is going.  The space is 71" so there is going to have to be some DIY solutions involved, but I'm up for that.

Number 3: BYGEL cart:  I'm toying with the idea of using this to hold the printer, printer supplies and extra paper.

Number 4: Desk Caddy from See Jane Work

Number 5: Folders from See Jane Work

Number 6: Mail Sorter by Martha Stewart, found at Staples.

Number 7: SPONTON magazine rack.  Again, trying to make use of the wall space.

Number 8: BYGEL containers.  More using the wall space!

Number 9: Translucent Clipboard from Staples.  Though I may just go for the old wooden ones and dress them up with paper or fabric. There are too many uses to name!

Number 10: GODMORGON storage box with compartments  I'm thinking this would be fabulous inside a cupboard, being see through, it would be easy to see what is inside it.

I really want to put my own spin on this space. What better way than taking a plain storage box or magazine file and making it your own.

Number 1 is the inspiration picture from BHG.  Simply cover magazine files in wallpaper to add your own spin.  I'm not sure what sources we have here, locally, for wall paper, but I stumbled across these three on the HomeDepot site (go figure)   Find them here (2), here (3), and here (4).  The magazine files I found here (Ikea)  and my favourite part, the label holder!  I found those on the Lee Valley Website.  I'm think either C or D would look great!  Obviously, this wouldn't be the cheapest of projects, but I think it could be a great way to make an impact.

And there you have the general plan.  I collected ideas to inspire me, formed a plan to add storage, make use of wall space, create homes for supplies, and have some fun dressing up plain items.  Ahh, speaking of dressing up, it really wouldn't be complete without some finishing touches right?  Right!  This part was my favourite, and though I know it will be a long while before I get to this point, I couldn't help but have some fun daydreaming while doing some online window shopping at one of my all time favourite place: Indigo.ca

Fun stuff, the fluff, the items that will move the office space in a direction more towards personal retreat.  And I love each and everyone of these items.

Number 1:  Small Classic Glass Hurricane, to add some sparkle, and bring in a little warmth and some yummy aromas.

Number 2:  Wesley Alarm Clock, because I'm constantly losing track of time, and it just looks perfect.

Number 3: Universal Flat Speakers in Silver.  For those days when a little music is in order.  And they're pretty!

Number 4: Semikolon Document Box.  I was thinking for keepsakes, but it would work great for documents too.

Number 5:  Cable Knit Reading Shawl in Feather Grey.  Love the color, and for this bookworm it would be a perfect addition on a chilly afternoon.

Number 6:  Plush Throw in Steel Grey.  For those chilly days when a little bit of extra cozy is called for.

Numbers 7 and 8:  Agean Mugs in Cobalt and Aqua.  Couldn't decide which I liked best for a warm drink, they both made me smile.

Number 9:  Squirrel Notebook.  (Does that need an explanation?)

Number 10:  Book Box. Love this too!  (Okay, okay, okay, I LOVE all of them) I thought this would be perfect for holding items that aren't needed often.  It's a pretty place to keep them, that's for sure.

I had a lot of fun day dreaming and plotting and planning.  Now that I have some ideas and visuals I'm eager to get started moving ahead with pulling this space together.  There are a few items I didn't include, because I'm still searching for ideas.  They are:

• Window Treatments
• Area Rug
• Desk Chair
• Under Desk Storage

You may also have noted that this has all been office focused, even though the room is for office work and crafting.  I have a plan for the crafting area too, but I know that for me, the office side of it is where I'm going to be spending the most time, and it's also where clutter will be more likely to collect.  Putting a plan in place ahead of time will save me time and grief down the road.

What about you?  Are you dreaming up a new space for yourself or a loved one?  Do you have a favourite go to store for various items?  

**Just a side note.  There are items listed and linked to from companies that have in no way, shape or form compensated me for this.  No affiliate links, no perks, no nothings.  I just chose stores that a) I know are in my area,  b) that have access to an online store, c) had items I was looking for, or d)any combination of the above. All opinions expressed belong solely to me, myself and I!  **

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The Beginning of my Office

I have been busy organizing some of the areas in our home.  I'm working out some of the kinks with our systems, and having a ton of fun doing it.  The last couple of days I've spent working in one area that I've been longing to get started on: my office/craft space.  Right now there isn't much in it.  It truly is a blank canvas waiting for me to put my mark on it.  And there in lies the danger, because space without purpose or use can easily become a disorganized mess of random, homeless items.  It becomes a black hole drop zone, where these items seem to be pulled, and if you let it, hopelessness will set in, and it will stay that way.

I didn't want that for this space.  Not only because it's where I'm going to be working from, but also because it's connected to our living room.  There is no door to close to hide away the mess. So when it started to look like this:

and this ... (sorry about the blurry photo, always take multiples, just in case!)

... and this ...

 ... and this...

... I knew it was time to really start thinking about how best to use what I've already got!  No more waiting, just jump in and get it done.

The first thing I needed to do was to start thinking of this space as my work zone (even though I don't have a desk set up yet, and technically work from the dining room table still).  Making this my work zone had to really sink in.  So, with the main purpose in mind, I began to sort.  I removed everything that did not belong, anything that had been placed down until I found the right home for it.  No more drop zone!  I've staked my claim, clearly and firmly.  No-one is allowed to just "leave" something in my space. 

To help curb that temptation  (especially for me, because I'm the biggest culprit when it comes to stuff like that) I removed the clutter magnet.

Bye bye bookcase.  As much as I love books, the bookcase was collecting and attracting clutter.  The books were impossible to keep neat, and it was just too convenient to place items on top.  Further more, it really didn't belong in my work zone.  At least not with all the books on it.  A little shuffling around and it's now found a new home in our family room.

Mickey isn't staying, he's going up into Liam's room, but the bookcase is.  Right now it's housing VHS tapes (very retro I know!  and yes, we do have a VCR so they do get watched!)  board games, puzzles, playing cards, a few of Liam's toys and the WII peripherals. The empty shelves are slated to be filled with the boy's books, one shelf for each of them.  Because our family room is open to the kitchen and eating area, it truly is part of the heart of the home, and I love the idea of the boys having access to their books here.  Maybe they'll be more inclined to curl up with a good book.  I'll share more of the family room later on this week.

Now, I bet you're wondering where the other books are?  Well, after some serious thought and consideration, I dumped neatly stacked them all in our bedroom.  I have a plan for them for in the future  and it involves them being upstairs in our room, so I figured I would store them there for now.  More to come on that next week!

With the book case removed it looks really bare.  Eventually, the buffet will be moved to that wall, and be for holding craft supplies only, but that's another story for another day.  On the other side of the space this is how I left things looking..

Sooo much better.  No more cluttered mess to sift through to find what I'm looking for, and plenty of space for works in progress (well maybe small ones)  I have scrapbook paper and long term storage files on left side of the buffet, and on the right is the cart that used to be Liam's craft cart.  Now it's home to my HMB, planner, and other binders. Under them my camera and all the cords and peripherals that go with it have found a new home.  Those white storage boxes make it really easy to grab what I need.  You can't really see it, but behind the camera box is a second one full of CDs that don't get used too often.  The drawers are holding spare notebooks and odd bits of stuff that is slated for a craft in the near future.

Inside the buffet you find this:

I didn't really change too much in here.  From top left we have paper samples, stylus and tablet for the computer, then craft stuff.  Bottom left to right is envelopes, greeting cards and extra file folders; my "work" caddy, and then extra printer paper and some writing work.  Right now, I'm working with what I have and taking notes on items I want to pick up later on down the road, things like document boxes, nesting containers, etc...

The drawer is holding often used (but not needed daily) items.  

I opted for loose categories here.  Nothing set in stone until I know what I'm going to use most often.  Again, I've got a list going for items needed to help the drawer function to the best of its ability.  Drawer organizers, non-slip shelf liner, etc... Also, I know that this isn't going to function as office storage in the future, so I don't want to invest too much time or money into it.

 The star of the show, by far is the work caddy.

I found the caddy at the dollar store of all places.  I knew it would come in handy, I just wasn't sure for what, so I only picked one.  (I'm going back for more because I've already thought up a hundred more uses for it!)  Then one day I was feeling frustrated that I hadn't yet figured out what to use for a desk.  Setting up on the dining table is fine, but it usually means grabbing a bunch of stuff, setting is all up, then taking it all down and putting it away.  And that's about the time when inspiration struck.  I have a cute little caddy that would be perfect for holding  pens, notebooks, sticky pads, glasses, and index cards! And I was right!  They  all fit neatly inside this little beauty.  The best part though, is that whole thing has a home in the buffet for when it's not in use.  

I just grab and go, and then grab and put away.  Easy, efficient, tidy and neat.  LOVE it!!!  It is amazing how something so simple has made such a huge difference.  No longer am I trying to keep everything I use often on top of the buffet.  This has greatly reduced the visual clutter in this space, and increased my own productivity, it's a win win all around!

There you have it, a nice, tidy start to my office space.  Well, as office-y as it gets for now.  As I said above, I've got big plans for this space.  I'm hoping to hop back on here tomorrow to share them with you.  Want a sneak peak?

(sorry bad lighting when I took this) This is a masterpiece Liam made at school.  The colors are perfect and the artwork is fun and precious.  Liam was thrilled when I asked if I could have it for in my office, and it's become my jumping off point.  I can't wait to find the perfect way to display it.  Until then, this is where it sits, to remind me of my vision for the space, and because it makes me smile!  

Those curtains are soooooooo coming down, just as soon as I have something to replace them with. 

Anyone else been busy with organizing projects?  Anyone else slowly working on creating a special place in their home, or decorating an area of it?


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