10 Just Three Things & Some Link Love: 02 | 17 | 17

Happy Friday, Friends! What a week it was, but today was wonderful. Our weekend weather forecast is unusually great for this coming weekend, and that always puts a little extra spring in my step.

So what is new with you all? Last week I started work on a client project that I am ridiculously excited about. A full kitchen organizational overhaul has begun, and after a couple of days of solely sorting and purging, it is already feeling much lighter and easier to navigate (no fancy organizers necessary to get to those feelings). She mentioned that looking at it as a whole was overwhelming, but just having someone there to help her with her decisions and to work next to her was a huge aid in finally getting it done. And she is so right. There are times when I become overwhelmed with specific projects or messes and sometimes just having someone else to talk things through is just what I need to finally dive in. So moral of the story, if you are stuck, call a friend (and I know that isn't rocket science but it is a good reminder).

We also dove back into our own projects this week and finished our laundry room tiling and wallpaper, both turned out better than I could have imagined. So a huge hooray for organizational and home projects! I can't wait to share both soon!

In the meantime, a few other small things that recently caught my attention.

I typically steer clear of the dollar section at Target because I know it is basically just one big temptation island of cute and random things that I absolutely do not need. But, I did spot some fabulously fun file folders calling my name from an end cap, and at a price of three for a whopping dollar, it was too good to pass up. I use file folders for organizing everything in my daily life, so why not use ones with a little pizzazz?

__________

Last month I took a quick trip to Texas to visit my dear friend, Grace, and while I was there I had the opportunity to lend a hand during a nursery installation. It was such an amazing experience for me; I learned so much about the entire process and it was so exhilarating to see the darling space come together at the end of a long day. Grace is such a unique talent and working with her on any project is such a treat.

I was able to see a little magic happen while she was sourcing options for a changing pad tray. Generally, changing pads are placed inside of large wood trays that sit on a dresser or changing table. The trays not only give the space a cleaner look, they also hold the pad in place during changings. These trays can be heavy and expensive and even challenging to source, but as we were walking the aisles at The Container Store, bam, an idea was born.

This underbed basket ended up being just what the space needed, it was a perfect pairing and couldn't have worked out better to hold the pad on top of the new dresser. #geniusgrace To keep it from shifting, just cut a piece of rug pad and place it between the basket and dresser top. Or use picture hanging Command Strips.

And, now I have baby fever...

__________

Finally, I spotted the most beautiful home and a new designer to follow in this month's HGTV magazine.

You can check out Shannon's home and portfolio here, and follow her on Instagram here. I can't even handle the bathroom; those hex tiles have me all giddy and feeling really good about our recent kitchen tile purchase. And the wood tone paired with that rich wall color? Gah... I am almost speechless.

__________

I have had quite a few tabs open on my phone since the first of the year, and thought it would be fun to share some of the articles that caught my attention. All of these are quick and inspiring reads that I have gone back to multiple times over the past month.


10 Habits of Highly Organized People

The Ultimate Decluttering Guide: 130 Things to Get Rid of in the New Year

15 Organizing Tricks for Inside Your Most Clutter Prone Spots

The Ten House Rules You Need to Embrace Once and for All This Year

How to Get the Designer Look in Your Home on a Budget

Ten Ways to Practice Self Love

__________

And last but not least, I am calling on you readers! I am starting back up with the What Would Jen Do series and would love for you to submit your trouble areas (questions and photos) to me as a potential future WWJD problem/solution post. Submissions can be sent to wwjendo.iheartorganizing@gmail.com, and I will aim to select spaces that may be a common dilemma for a handful of my readers, as well at topics that can be accomplished on a moderate budget (think nooks, pantries, entryways/closets, playrooms, bathrooms, etc...). Also, please note that you must be willing to share your photos and story right here to be considered.

On the flip side, if you have a space or project that you tackled and are feeling organizationally excited and proud, I would LOVE to see them! I am bringing back the Reader Space features and I would love to help you spread your tips and excitement. I am on the hunt for projects that have made a positive impact on your life; big or small. They can be anything from an organized drawer, a DIY project or an entire room overhaul. Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com. Photos should be high resolution and taken in natural daylight if possible (blog not necessary to participate). Please include a brief description of the project and how it has changed your life or routine for the better, and I will follow up for additional details prior to featuring. Oh! and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice! Only love goes on at this blog! I can't wait to hear from you and continue to celebrate all of those organizing successes!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! And I hope your weather treats you well!