Showing Off Julie's Newly Organized Pantry

M.O.M. of the Month stands for Mother On a Mission of the Month!  Each month Wurth Organizing will feature a M.O.M. or a D.A.D. (Dad Against Disorder) of the Month. As their Professional Organizer, I am so proud of these clients who embraced their clutter clearing journey with a serious get it done attitude and deserve exceptional praise.

I thrive on the excitement felt upon arriving at a client’s home. To me the ding of the doorbell marks the beginning of other space and  life transformed. In my clients session packet I give them a best foot forward promise. My signature acknowledges my commitment to them as their Organizing Guru and their signature acknowledges them as a “Man or Woman on a Mission”. I feel their work with me needs to be shared to inspire others to dive in and start embracing a simpler life today, not someday.  Their “Organizing Mission” is now complete.  We are delighted to  share their  testimony and before/after photos of their newly organized space with you!

I have so enjoyed working with Julie in her home these past few months.  She is always alive with kindness and full of energy!  Her vivacious personality is contagious along with  her other talents in music and health which inspired me to get off my butt and try Power Yoga!   

Her inspiring story begins …

“I feel like I was a pretty organized person but wanted to get Danielle’s opinion from a creative practical background on how to better utilize the space and the things I have in them. When Danielle first entered my home, I thought to myself “there really isn’t too much I need help with” BUT…….as we walked from room to room…the suggestions she gave me were so much fun and helped to simplify the “Clutter” in my life. It gave me more of a system for everything!

One of my VERY favorite things Danielle did for me was to encourage me to create “displays” of my favorite memorabilia on the VERY top shelves in my master closet and pantry.  She said the eye always goes up….so why not enjoy looking up!! I LOVED that she also suggested to decorate my upper master closet shelf with some of my favorite “Julie-ism’s” (pictures from friends, favorite cards and pieces of artwork, kindergarten drawings from my daughter that I just couldn’t part with) making it my own shrine!!  I spend a lot of time in our big walk- in closet so from a time management perspective I really loved how we also created pretty coordinated labeled baskets for my undergarments. Now I don’t need to run out to the bedroom for my undies, bra’s, socks, jammies when I get ready in the morning or evening!  I feel I am much more effective with my time since all my “get ready” stuff is at my fingertips!

Another area we ALL love as a family is the “Arts” Room.  This used to be the “Catch all” Room where I would put anything I didn’t know what to do with in it!!  Now, we have the piano, a book case filled with books, DVD’s, art supplies, a TV/ stereo, my daughter’s computer and school supplies!  It’s a great room that she plays in when friends are over for playdates, homework and arts and craft projects. Also now Mommy can close the door enjoying playing the piano …. all by myself!!

Lastly, I also really appreciated Danielle giving me the option to do “task homework” between sessions if I desired. I am a person that is good about working off a
“task list”.  These projects were things I could do or organizational products I could buy on my own based on her recommendations to maximize my space.
We saved money on booking additional sessions with Danielle because she was so flexible and respectful working within our family’s budget.

I feel women need to give themselves “the permission” to spend a little money on their home and themselves so that their home and life can run more smoothly, because it is sooo worth it!  The organizing sessions with Danielle has helped my entire home. My husband has appreciated the organized systems so much; my daughter plays in her Home School Room now non-stop.  It was worth all the efforts put forth!

Julie Barrett – CEO of the Barrett Household, Director of Christian Music Ministries for Kids and Mother of Abby Jo

Back to School time is here which means… new friends, new beginnings and lunches in the bunches! No worries…Wurth Organizing has gotcha covered with our first Fan Family giveaway from the yummy popchips company.

Scrambling for the right organized solution for school supplies? My new favorite school supply solution is called the Locking Pencil Craft Box made by Vaultz.
Make this new school year the fresh start you need for your home and family life! My latest Teachable Tip will help you keep it alllll together. Well…I can’t promise that coverage for the aging lower half of our bodies, heck that is what spandex is for right? However, I can help you organize your drawers to find it though! Until we gather again, remember – Happy Days Come Thru Organized Ways!

Back to School Give-a-way with Pop Chips…

Wurth Organizing was delighted to be one of the event sponsor’s for The Girls Night Out by Scottsdale Moms Blog www.scottsdalemomsblog.com and Everyday Childhood www.everydaychildhood.com where Mom Bomb Boutique www.mombomb.com hosted over 175 moms at their posh boutique! Before I could take a sip of my wine my named was drawn receiving the generous raffle prize for a Spa Event in which the popchips brand www.popchips.com is a sponsor. Our family has enjoyed these yummy heart-healthy chips which are not baked, nor fried, but popped to perfection! Both popchips and myself thought it would be “fantastic fun” to offer a Wurth Organizing Fan Family a month’s supply of pop chips as a Back-To-School Giveaway!

We are giving away (2) 1-Month Supply of popchips cards = Valued at $35 Each

Interested in Entering?

1.) Create a few clever sentences about how your family embraces our two loves: organizing and snacking! Send your story to Danielle@wurthorganizing.com. Pop Chips will review and select the winning family on Wednesday, August the 17th by midnight (MST)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry:

2.) I’m a fan of you! Are you a fan of Wurth Organizing on Facebook? If so do tell us!
3.) Pop Chips wants to see you smile! Are you a fan of Pop Chips on Facebook? If so do tell them!

Winner will be selected on Monday, August 22nd, 2011 by midnight (MST). Any entries received after that time frame will not be considered for the giveaway. Winner will be selected thru review of entries by via voting from Pop Chips and Wurth Organizing.

Today’s Teachable Tip:

Locking Pencil Craft Box

Toss it kick it or flip it in the air…my 5 yr old had to officially test it out of course! The supplies are kept in place via adjustable Velcro straps or sections. Case holds: 12 tall markers ,12 tall pencils,a small craft scissor, a just shy box of 24 crayons, large eraser, sharpener and a flippin glue stick. for oh yes folks… UNDER $10 dollars. Ahhhhh…The skies have opened in my world and my son’s as he embarks on a well organized journey to Kindergarten. Product is offered slightly different on-line at www.vaultz.pronto.com than mine found at my friendly neighborhood Office Max www.officemax.com.

Desire a Firm Foundation for Your Family Household? Grab a girlfriend and go…

Do you run your daily schedule or does it run you? Desire to have a P.L.A.N. for your family in becoming more organized but never seems to happen? Want to be more organized but don’t know how? Have no fears ladies a workshop awaits you! The doors will be opened to my personal abode at 9206 N. 103rd Place Scottsdale 85258. Be a “nosey guest” and open any medicine cabinet, drawer and closet. Grab a girlfriend and be inspired together for the Creating a Firm Foundation – We Must Have a P.L.A.N. Workshop and Exclusive Home Tour this Wednesday, July 20th at 6:30pm: Mix Mingle and Tour… 7:15: Workshop Begins…and 8:45: Wrap Up and Q & A.

Va – Va Vintage! – Our co-sponsor will be Ellens’ Era offering vintage pieces and Anthropolopgie inspired headbands. Take a quick peek at her sweet shop www.etsy.com/shop/ellensera.com. Much goodies and giveaways await you for this fun girls night out. How many days are letting pass by? View complete registration info now available via Event Brite http://wurthorganizing.eventbrite.com/and testimony below.

“What an amazing night at the workshop. You were wonderful. I could see you gave us everything you have in your arsenal against disorder. Last night I came home so inspired. I went to my guest bathroom and organized the medicine cabinet which was a mess. It took 10 minutes. This morning before starting to work I organized the bottom cabinet in the same bathroom. Another 10 minutes. You were right. Forgive me for taking so long to get how organizing doesn’t need to take a lot of time. I can’t wait for you to come work with me at home.

-Delores T., Journalist AZ Republic and Phoenix Magazine, Mother of Two

Today’s Teachable Tip:

Child’s Craft Memory Book

This project was FOREVER on my to do list. I’m proud to declare it finally complete!. This project officially wrapped up in the “wee hours” of the morning. The enjoyment of sharing it with my children is what pushed me to finish! Hope it brings the same joy for you and your family as you flip thru the pages seeing your child’s work over the years:

Project Items Required:

• (1) Large 3-ring binder
• (200) Crystal Clear Light Weight Protective Sleeves – 3-Hole Punched
• (1) Pad of Multi-Colored Construction Paper – Cut sheets into 8×11 to fit sleeves
• (1) Sharp Craft Scissors and (1) Large Craft Cutting Board (Is Extra Helpful too)
• (1) Reel of Double Stick Tape

1. Gather all your child’s crafts in one large plastic bin
2. Sort crafts by years if you so desire
3. Grab upright bags with handles (or bins) marking them in large print the year of the child
4. Purge and sort with your child selecting their MOST favorite crafts. Lay out 5 at a time and have them select that one putting it asside
5. Ask them WHY they like that one the best. Document their response in their words on the front of the craft. Ex: “That is a picture of a really super fast roller coaster I want to go on someday”
6. Mentally fast forward 20 years taking the current craft volume time (x) the numbers of years to still collect items for memory. If your answer is WOW then you must begin purging NOW!
7. Purge privately: You are not a bad parent for not keeping it all! Instead you are a wonderful parent creating a project like this for everyone to cherish!
8. Assemble, cut and double stick the crafts into the protective sleeves using construction paper to create fun layered looks
9. Oversized or three dimentional crafts – Take a picture of your child holding the craft with all their oversized crafts around him…is fun to do even in the grass! Print off that image onto a 8×11 sheet and then place that into a sleeve. Reduces volume!
10. Set a goal to complete 10 sleeves a day then place into book: 10 sleeves x10 days is 200 images saved in a sleeve for you can double-side it!
11. Now grab your projects and GO!
12. Didn’t make it past Step 1? Call me and I’ll get it done :0)

Thank you for the great feedback from the initial newsletter kick-off. I truly enjoy helping and inspiring others to live beyond everyday clutter in their lives. This past month was my busiest yet. From a M.O.P.S. speaking event, my photo shoot, workshop sign-ups and sessions with 3 new families, 2 bachelor households and a café. Sounds better than 4 weddings and funeral to me…Whew! Be sure to catch my latest Teachable Tip on how to be all “zipped up” to fling into spring! Until we gather again, remember – Happy Days Come Thru Organized Ways!

So much excitement, not enough words…

Some months back Karen Palazzolo with MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers – www.mops.org) for Grove Bible Church www.thegroveaz.org in Chandler contacted me to speak at their MOPS group of about 45 women. I was so honored and excited to meet Karen and the rest of the gals there. They do a wonderful job putting on events, craft activities, along with welcoming new ladies to the church. If you are looking to get better connected with other mothers do check out the Grove.

About 4 years ago, the fabulous Diana Jung of Silver Spoon Studio www.silverspoonstudio.com designed my website. As business is expanding so will my site which led us do the recent shoot. I’m sooo pleased with the results! Despite my nervousness, Diana made it fun and captured the marketing style I desired. Her business portfolio now includes www.dianaelizabethphotography doing engagement, wedding and celebrity photo shoots for the renowned Phoenix Magazine www.phoenixmagazine.com. She’s one talented gal. Geez louise, and you thought I do it all!

Remember the third child I birthed last year? She is growing up so fast…The Creating a Firm Foundation – We Must Have a P.L.A.N. Workshop response has been wonderful being 70% booked. Just a few seats remain…sooo round up that sitter, grab your girlfriends and join us next week. (registration is required so see side of newsletter for more details). Our co-sponsor is the lovely Pam Rukas with Stella & Dot www.stelladot.com/pamelarukas and we’ll be offering some great give-a-ways. A night about organizing, empowering, being child-free AND a give-away. What more could we ask for? Well, laundry completed on 24 hours flat by someone else would be oh so fabulous. In the mean time enjoy my latest Teachable Tip.

Today’s Teachable Tip:
All Zipped Up and Ready to Go

Who doesn’t love Hefty brand www.hefty.com one-zip bags? They are kid friendly by showing you it’s sealed. There are so many sizes and purposes this budget-friendly product can offer us. Think waaay outside the box…or shall I say The Bag:

• Quart Size – Unpack your batteries into a small bin which should be conveniently located in the Laundry Room. Mark a bag saying “Bad Batteries” and put a sad face on it for visual reference for hubby and the kiddos. Place all the bad batteries in that bag. Once bag is filled, drop off at your local car repair shop or Best Buy for recycling. Want to be more eco-friendly? Invest in rechargeable battery set at Batteries Plus www.batteriesplus.com. It’s a great long term saving and love the plug-in convenience!
• School Bags – Hefty makes a zipper styled school bag line that fits manila sized folders. Handy for old sized school work and craft projects.
• Gallon – Make a complete meal on a paper plate,then slide it into the bag. Perfect for when Daddy works late or kids return hungry from a game. Self-serve ready to microwave and toss. No kitchen mess for Mommy!
• U-Haul Bags – At $2 a bag it’s heavy duty plastic large plastic zip bag perfect for storing Toys that come shrink- wrapped and there are a gazillion parts like the Hungry Hippo game. Just slide the whole dang thing in there…marbles and all.
• Ziploc L, XL and XXL – Store future sized kids clothes or off-season like swimsuits etc. under the bed www.ziploc.com. Smooshes well for those hard to store areas. They are found at www.target.com and are great for camping (offers handles).

Now grab a bag and get to it. Got 4 minutes…DO IT NOW, NOT LATER!

In the past few months I have been honored to meet, speak and inspire so many women. It’s been great fun teaching how to make organizing principles turn into a reality in their family’s home.

I have quite a bit to update you on and give you a teachable tip that I hope you can use to help simplify your life! Until next time, remember – Happy Days Come Thru Organized Ways!

What I’ve Been Up To…

In January, I had the honor co-leading a three week organizing class for women at my home church Scottsdale Bible Church with the wonderful Women’s Ministry Leader, Jessica Neill. We assisted nearly 40 women on creating solutions for tackling those “hot spots” in their home.

Last summer, I birthed my third child. We’ll not really, but the labor was just as intense spending 6 months writing, editing with my friend Leah Folkestad and designing my 45-page Organizing Workshop Booklet for busy moms! You’ll fall in love the moment you lay eyes on her. Her name is Creating a Firm Foundation – We Must Have a P.L.A.N. Workshop.

The fabulous Angel Mamas non-profit organization asked me if I’d kick-off their first “friendraiser” with my workshop. Founded by inspiring, big-hearted mother Shira Nicks just a few years ago, Shira took her vision of gathering mothers together via social and outreach event. Event monies earned are applied to the charity focus of the year which is currently is Devereux, a non-profit behavioral health organization. Check out their site for upcoming events for yourself or your kiddos you may be interested in attending. It was a great night by all!

Today’s Teachable Tip: Frequent Vendor Cards

How do you store your frequent vendor member cards – grocery store, public library, coffee shop and of course your friendly neighborhood yogurt shop? You want the perks but not the clutter. One day the “light went on in my brain” and I said hummm, a dollar bill fits nicely in my wallet…Voila!

• Cut out JUST your cards’ bar codes. Mark vendor name with sharpie if logo doesn’t show well.
• Place your most frequently used vendors on the top AND the bottom of your strip.
• Lay all barcodes facing up in the SHAPE OF A DOLLAR BILL.
• Tape the entire strip both front and back with clear packing tape.
• Place in wallet with your moola for easy accessibility.
• BE PREPARED for every cashier this moment forward to tell you “What a smart organizing idea!”
• RU a more ONLINE vs. HANDS- ON Gal? Check www.justoneclubcard.com to simplify it all!
• Simple and easy…choose your organizing style. Got 7 minutes…DO IT NOW!

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante. Donec eu libero sit amet quam egestas semper. Aenean ultricies mi vitae est. Mauris placerat eleifend leo.

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante. Donec eu libero sit amet quam egestas semper. Aenean ultricies mi vitae est. Mauris placerat eleifend leo.

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante. Donec eu libero sit amet quam egestas semper. Aenean ultricies mi vitae est. Mauris placerat eleifend leo.

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante. Donec eu libero sit amet quam egestas semper. Aenean ultricies mi vitae est. Mauris placerat eleifend leo.

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum tortor quam, feugiat vitae, ultricies eget, tempor sit amet, ante. Donec eu libero sit amet quam egestas semper. Aenean ultricies mi vitae est. Mauris placerat eleifend leo.