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organizingkc

Pro Organizer, Consultant & Speaker -Est 2011
Nature-lovin Homeschool Mama: 👧👧🏼
Book Collector 📚
Researcher; perpetually curious💡
aka @optimizing_mama

Today on the blog: How I turned (part of) my tiny

Today on the blog: How I turned (part of) my tiny garage into our home office! 💻🖨🗄
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Link in bio!
#homeoffice #workathome #adapting

So, I haven't been posting much here lately... 202

So, I haven't been posting much here lately... 2020 has been a year of change, not just for the world, but big changes for our family too. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧
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My husband and I decided in January that I would transition to less work hours and start homeschooling our 2 girls fall of 2020. Welp, in March, that decision was made for us so we started right then.
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It's taken almost this long to get into a good groove and find our (realistic) daily rhythm.
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I get asked a lot about homeschooling and most people think that it looks just like the "virtual schooling" that is happening all over the country right now - but it's a far cry from that model. In fact, we spend very little time in front of screens.
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Our homeschooling mostly consists of being outside, whether that's our weekly hikes and nature study with our local @wildandfree.co group, reading and writing on a blanket in our yard, or doing some @wildmathcurriculum with twigs and leaves.🌿
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It's been an interesting journey 'unschooling' my own brain and revising my expectations on what I'm used to school looking like (public school kid, here). Each day I find us tweaking things based on what does and doesn't work and it's been a huge growing experience for myself in many ways. 🤯
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My husband and I sat down in Jan and made a list of our family values, what characteristics we'd like our kids to have and we created a loose roadmap that would connect those ideas into an actionable reality. ✔
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We knew we wanted nature to be a primary focus in our kids lives as it is in our own so I started seeing what other nature-loving homeschool families were doing. Through our local wild+free group we have found a community of amazing people who share many of our values and love connecting in nature. I feel like I have genuinely found my mama tribe and get so filled-up each time we adventure together.🌱
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Going forward, you'll probably see a lot more posts like this as my business and life evolve to reflect this season. Hope you stick around! Appreciate all your support and I love you all! 💕

🍁🍂🍃According to a @sparefoot survey, 45%

🍁🍂🍃According to a @sparefoot survey, 45% of Americans think that fall is the *best* time to get organized!

🍁🍂🍃Each season change brings a fresh opportunity to clear out clutter from the past season and organize items that will be used for the upcoming season. Out with the sun dresses, shorts and pool toys... in with the long underwear, coats and sleds.

🍁🍂🍃Let us know if we can help you wrangle your fall and summer items to get organized this fall!

Storing items out of sight and getting them off th

Storing items out of sight and getting them off the counter can go a loooong way in making your kitchen feel more open and peaceful.
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If you have clear cabinet doors, be careful about what you store in there. Too much visual stimulation leads to feelings of overwhelm and clutter - even if it's all perfectly organized.
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#organizedkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchenorganizing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! 🎂🎉 Helloooo Giveaway!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! 🎂🎉 Helloooo Giveaway!
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Organizing KC officially turned 9 years old (what?!!) in July but (thanks to the 'rona) we are just now celebrating. Hey, better late than never!
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In honor of 9 amazing years helping Kansas City get organized we are doing a HUGE giveaway on Wednesday 9/9!
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For ONE DAY only we are giving away Gift Cards for 50-FREAKING-% OFF!! How awesome to get SIX hours of help for the price of THREE HOURS!?
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We can help YOU get organized or you can send the gift card to friends or family!
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Some popular sessions lately have been:
--Household Flow: laundry/cleaning routines, creating/implementing good habits, scheduling, chore charts (getting kids involved)
--Home Office Organizing: configuring work-at-home space, developing work flow systems, creating good filing systems
--Homeschool/Virtual School Organizing: help creating a work-conducive environment, re-configuring teaching roles/managing expectations, integrating movement outlets into screen-time
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We would love to help you get organized in your home, work or your life! Message us with any questions!
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For 50% OFF Use Promo Code: 9YEARS
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Link on website!

Do you make time for planning *everyday*? . My p

Do you make time for planning *everyday*?
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My planner lives in my bed side table, usually with a pencil tucked inside. Might seem like a weird place to keep it, but I've tried using it throughout the day and I never end up looking at it. Mostly I'm just too busy running around and doing things all day...
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But, at the very end of the day when I'm climbing into bed and finished doing all the things, I make time to read and plan. It kind of starts as a brain dumb and bullet list diary of sorts. I write down some key points/events of the day and then I fill in some expected ones for the next few days.
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I like to keep it super simple:
--- I draw a light, straight line through the things that happened or to-do's I accomplished
~~~I draw a squiggle line through it If something didn't happen
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I designate a small area of the day/box for different things and always write those in the same spot:
🔳 Daily + Weekly Goals
🔳Dinners
🔳Homeschool work
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I write ideas, long term goals, random notes, etc on the alternate page/back.
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I shopped around for a planner forever and it turns out that the basic, Moleskin Weekly/Monthly planner hit's the spot.
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Check out today's stories for more details!
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How do YOU plan?
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@optimizingmama
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#planner #weeklyplanner #braindump #organzedlife #failtoplanplantofail

TLDR; Organizing the abstract 'work/office flow' (

TLDR; Organizing the abstract 'work/office flow' (habits/routines and systems) is equally (maybe more) important than organizing the physical space.
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Having a physically organized work area is so vital when it comes to productivity and clear-thinking.
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Re-setting a work space is important to do every few months so that things can return to their homes and new items can get assigned and placed in a home.
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Work FLOW is huuuuge. If there aren't *manageable* (keyword, meaning you actually use them) systems in place, it's all going to get backed up again soon, anyway!
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#workflow #workathome #homeoffice #workorganized #professionalorganizers #organizedlife

Because sometimes you just need a little office re

Because sometimes you just need a little office reset to reignite those creative and productive work vibes. 💡💥
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Just a couple hours of some decluttering, donating, filing and dusting can reaaaally go a long way!
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Swipe for BEFORE!
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#homeoffice #organizing #workathome #reset

#tbt to one of the first sewing rooms I ever organ

One of my most favorite organizing hacks: stations

One of my most favorite organizing hacks: stations and kits!
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You can streamline almost any kind of process by just creating a station or a kit with the materials you use for it on a regular basis.
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We took 3 drawers in this clients laundry room to create an easy, convenient gifting station.
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This concept can be applied literally anywhere in any category and on-the-go too! I have specific bags I use (think pool bag-ish) for different activities. One bag for organizing sessions, one for homeschool nature study group and I even keep my home-office in a bag so I can take it with me around the house or to a coffee shop!
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What do you need to create a station for?
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What can you put in a bag??

A newly refreshed basement storage room. ✔📦 .

A newly refreshed basement storage room. ✔📦
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Ahhh, yesss.
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Swipe for 'before'.

Since so many of us have been working from home fo

Since so many of us have been working from home for a few months now, the novelty of it all might be starting to wear off. 👩‍💻
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Maybe you have started noticing that you aren’t as productive as you’d like to be or you can’t quite figure out how to emulate that conducive work environment...
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New on the blog, you will find a quick start guide to creating and optimizing your work-at-home flow!📈
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Work smarter, not harder!
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Link in bio!
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#workathome #homeoffice #officeorganizing #workflow

📣📣 We are SOOO excited to announce that we a

📣📣 We are SOOO excited to announce that we are NOW OPEN and booking appointments again! 🎉
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If you'd like help taming home, work or life chaos - we can help! 👊
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Whether that looks like getting your household flow in order (family routines, schedule and meal planning, responsibility charts) or jumping in to help organize the garage or other space for summer, we would love to be a part of simplifying your life!
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What needs organized in your life?

Tomorrow at 1:30pm! Live interview with @organizin

Tomorrow at 1:30pm! Live interview with @organizingkc owner, Shawna Childers! Get link at Organizing KC Facebook page!
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All about Household Flow!!
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#householdflow #kansascity #professionalorganizer #organizing #speaking

Throwback Thursday: A look at the pretty tea setup

Throwback Thursday: A look at the pretty tea setup we had at our Jan 1st planning workshop. Did you attend?! We covered topics such as daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly tasks and routines, meal planning, laundry and more! #planning #organizing #tea #buffet #housedecor #householdflow #householdmanagement #management #ideas #throwbackthursday #kcorganizing #organizingkc

Here’s a closer look at Aundrea’s drink statio

Here’s a closer look at Aundrea’s drink station from the kitchen tour (check out our IG TV!). What would be (or is) at your drink station? Tell us: Do you have a favorite mug, water bottle, tea, drink of choice, or essential appliance? #drinkstation #drinks #coffee #tea #mug #waterbottle #evolve #hotwaterheater #cutekitchen #kitchen #organizing #organizingkc #style #kitchendesign #kitchenstyle

Kitchen: Before / After. Cabinets and pantry re-se

Kitchen: Before / After. Cabinets and pantry re-set for optimal function. What area of your kitchen is either: MOST organized and/or LEAST organized? #kitchen #organization #function #layout #planning #spaces #prettykitchen #kitchenorganizing #kcspaces #workflow #organizingkc

Happy St Patrick’s Day! We’re celebrating indo

Happy St Patrick’s Day! We’re celebrating indoors with a tea party (served in a shamrock tea set) and fiddle music. What are your St Patrick’s Day traditions? Have you adjusted your normal celebration this year? #StPatrick’sDay #celebration #indoors #quarantine #teaparty #shamrockteaset #kansascity #organizing #organizingkc

You guys know that I have been obsessed with the b

You guys know that I have been obsessed with the book Atomic Habits by @jamesclear for the past few weeks. I have been listening to it on repeat and it is seriously so amazing.
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I feel like I want to put the audio book on and listen to it in my sleep so I can absorb these nuggets of wisdom by osmosis LOL. It's the greatest hits compilation of the best habits and systems to follow for an optimal life. It also helps that he is an amazing storyteller!
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I just left an appointment and the feeling portrayed in this quote of his is really sticking out to me right now after our session. I just love so much how I can help other people live better lives and be happier in their spaces and systems. I've always done work that I love, but *this* work is SO meaningful to me because it is also so meaningful to my clients.
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Knowing that I am helping other people to live with less stress and more empowerment is seriously the best feeling, ever. I am constantly so thankful that I get earn a living by doing work that I am so passionate about and creating these connections with amazing, beautiful people who increase my happiness and self-value just as much as I am helping them.
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I am just overwhelmed with feeling so happy and grateful. Hashtag blessed, lol. 🤣
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#shawnagetsemotional #meaningful #gratitude #kansascity #kcmom #organizing #householdflow

Want to change your life? Follow the advice in thi

Want to change your life? Follow the advice in this (audio)book!
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It's so soooo good. So many awesome little nuggets of truth and wisdom in here: habit stacking, basing habits on identity, affirmations, environment...
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Highly recommend this book to anyone trying to implement new habits or improve an area of their life. .
#atomichabits #selfimprovement #motivation

Never underestimate the power of a room reset with

Never underestimate the power of a room reset with @organizingkc
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It's easier than you think.
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{Swipe for before.}
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#professionalorganizing #leawoodks #organizingreset
#everythinginitsplace

The evolution of this home office now accommodates

The evolution of this home office now accommodates both adults and kids. All it needed was a little bit of definition and lots of sorting to make it a relaxing work and play space. #homeoffice #office #organizing #organization #organizingideas #ideasforhomeoffice #organizingkc #professionalorganizer #professionalorganizing

At the workshop on the 1st we talked a lot about h

At the workshop on the 1st we talked a lot about helping the kids and other family members get on board with the household tasks.
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Some of the things might seem overwhelming to kids or people who have never done them before... so the best way to help them learn those tasks is by having them watch you do it and then trying to do it themselves!
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Finally, have them teach it to someone else in the family!
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#watchdoteach #learning #responsibility #teamwork #family

Yesterday's 2020 Planning Workshop was freaking am

Yesterday's 2020 Planning Workshop was freaking amaaazing!! .
20 ladies... all with clipboards and planners in hand, making lists and plans for a productive and less stressed new year... .
We had some great discussions and so many awesome suggestions for more successful implementing and tips for how to get everyone participating! .
Can't wait until the next one this spring. Stay tuned!!
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#2020 #2020goals #planning #organizednewyear #mealplanning #laundryroutine #chorecharts #workshops

This workshop is officially SOLD OUT! . SO excited

This workshop is officially SOLD OUT!
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SO excited to see you ladies tomorrow, just finished compiling the goodie bags!! .
Stay tuned for another workshop this spring! 💕

You guys! Check out one of my all-time favorite pl

You guys! Check out one of my all-time favorite planners! @bloomdailyplanners is more than just a regular appointment scheduler. It includes a bunch of amazing planning templates to help you clarify your intentions, get into positive routines, set (and track!) goals, and even REVIEW your year at the end.
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These are a *few* of my favorite pages:
2. PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT- I love how this makes you think about and identify what kind of energy you want to project going forward.
3. MORE + LESS - we always know what we need more of, but I love how this page also helps me define what I need LESS of, also vital.
4. MOBILE VISION BOARD - Shrink down that vision board and instead of tacking it up somewhere, keep it *with* you so you can glance back at it when you're in need of inspo.
5. GOAL SETTING - I love how there are multiple places for different kinds of goals including books to read, places to visit and things to look forward to.
6. GOAL TRACKING - How cool is it to have a plan for goals that involves not only just setting them but managing the how-to achieve part and bridging that gap from wish to action plan.
7. WEEKLY TEMPLATE - Yes! Being able to see the whole week schedule at a glance is amazing. Having that big picture view of what you need to do helps find room for the things that you *want* to (or should) do.
8. IDEAL WEEK - This is one of my most favorite pages because it gives you a space to explore how your ideal self would spend your time so you can make it a reality.
9. MONTHLY TASKS - This is such a great to-do checklist for all of the random stuff that we really should be doing *each* month that if often forgotten or overlooked.
10. YEARLY REVIEW - In order for us to keep "blossoming" and evolving into something more amazing, we have to take a look back and process how far we have come so far. Noting our failures is also important but it doesn't have to be defeating. We can learn so much about how to improve ourselves by paying attention to how we have acted in the past.
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Also, if you have tickets for my Jan 1st planning workshop, we will be doing similar exercises and what better way to keep them than in your planner!
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Amazon Link in bio!!

Every office needs an occasional reset. The turn o

Every office needs an occasional reset. The turn of a new year is the perfect time to schedule some time to organize your office and work flow.
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A big chunk of our time today was spent on filing. If you can carve out some upfront time to organize your paperwork and filing system, it saves a ton of time later down the road. .
I recommend my clients do an end of the year paperwork purge each year to help mitigate 'overflow'. Store as many files as you can electronically and opt out of paper-billing on all of your accounts.
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We also did some decluttering where we moved a lot of items off of the desk and out of sight. It might not seem like it, but subconsciously, our brains translate clutter into anxiety and stress. A clean, clear environment is so much more conducive to clear, creative thinking.
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Taking the time to reset your workspace, whether it's an office, a countertop or a closet will go miles in helping you work happier and more productively.

Happiest of Holidays from Shawna and Aundrea!! We

Happiest of Holidays from Shawna and Aundrea!! We just want to say thank you so much to all of our awesome clients who support and inspire us! 💕 WE LOOOOVE YOU!
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#professionalorganizer #professionalorganizing

A sobering reminder... . It's so easy for me to fo

A sobering reminder...
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It's so easy for me to forget and just say, "Oh, just let me reply to this email really quick." or "I'm just going to post this story first." Being a work-at-home mama is SO hard sometimes. Balance is arduous.
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Sometimes social media totally overwhelms me and I feel like if I'm not constantly posting or doing stories than my business isn't going to stay relevant. It's weird that this little electronic device has such an emotional hold over me. Sometimes I feel all this pressure to keep 'liking' and 'commenting' or subconsciously I feel like all this work I've done on my business in the past 9 years is just all going to come CRASHING DOWN. It's irrational and stressful.
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My goal going into 2020 is to be more firm on my "work" and "home" hours. It's so easy in this digital age to let the two bleed together, and usually, they do.
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In the Jan 1st workshop we are going to create our ideal daily schedule which includes work and home hours. When I'm at "home" the phone goes in the phone basket. When I'm at "work" I can reply, like, comment, post...
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It's so important to reset these boundaries regularly, because inevitably the lines blur anyway.
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What helps you other work-at-home parents keep "work" and "home" separate?
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#workathome #momguilt #boundaries #socialmedia #workhomebalance

You guys!! I am so excited about this Jan 1st Hous

You guys!! I am so excited about this Jan 1st Household Flow Planning Workshop! 📅📋✔
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Not only are we going to majorly get our shit together for 2020, but we will do it all while munching on a delicious catered lunch from the amazing Katie at @msthrillkillscatering
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Only a few tickets left! Link in bio! 🎫
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#getorganized #planning #householdflow #newyear

Sometimes organizing help isn't all sorting and la

Sometimes organizing help isn't all sorting and labels. Sometimes it just looks like rearranging furniture and a figuring out a better room flow.
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We are awesome at helping you determine your ideal use of a space and helping you make that happen while still keeping in mind your established habits so your routines don't get thrown off.
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This mama needed a better flow for her kids work and play space in their family room. We move the couch against the windows and created a spot on the left side of the room for a kids work table and activity shelves. We did a little decluttering and created a room where each space had a specific purpose. This will go a long way in helping maintain functionality.
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There's always room for a little optimizing!

All 3 of my girls loved playing in the snow today

All 3 of my girls loved playing in the snow today but I think the furriest one loved it the most. 💕🐕

It's cool if you change your tastes. Outgrowing ce

It's cool if you change your tastes. Outgrowing certain energy is inevitable.
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But... edit your feed accordingly.
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Negativity is a sly little fox, once it creeps in you never know what kind of mess it's going to make.

These are the best years of my freakin' life. @opt

These are the best years of my freakin' life. @optimizing_mama

Join us on 1/1/20 at the @vintagehouse7612 11a-2p!

Join us on 1/1/20 at the @vintagehouse7612 11a-2p!
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Ticket link in bio!

Are you going to try anything new in 2020? . I sta

Are you going to try anything new in 2020?
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I started a little early this year and have been doing #5x5stronglifts with a #kettlebell 3x a week since Dec 1.
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It's been hard and amazing all at once. Today: my legs are freakin' jello. But daaaaang that booty is coming in nicely. 💪

Yesss! Thank you @joshua_becker for this awesome l

Yesss! Thank you @joshua_becker for this awesome list!
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Over the years, I remember and cherish so much more the experiences and time spent with my loved ones (or the rare gifted alone time!) than the items I've gotten as presents. As a kid, I remember the fun times, not so much the fun things...
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Experiences > Things!
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...Unless it's a robot vacuum or a vitamix. Those count as experiences, amiright?! 🤪

**GIVEAWAY!**📣 . Have you ever felt overwhelmed

**GIVEAWAY!**📣
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all of the household tasks that need to be accomplished? .
We can help you streamline your household flow! We specialize in helping families implement productive routines where everyone takes responsibility—think laundry systems, meal plans, chores etc.
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We are giving one lucky winner:
•2 Hour Household Flow Session ($200 value)
•Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar + Chore Chart
•Weekly Meal Planning NotePad
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Enter your email address at the link in my bio for a chance to win! [You can keep or give away as a gift!]
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Want an extra entry? Share this post in your story (and tag @organizingkc) or tag a friend below! Each friend tagged in a separate comment equals another entry. Good luck!
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Winner will be announced Friday, 12/13. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with instagram.

Thank you to Alexandra at @stitchingtaleskc for th

Thank you to Alexandra at @stitchingtaleskc for the gorgeous, live Christmas wreath. .
It smells so amazing, too!

Growth is never easy, fast or comfortable. And yea

Growth is never easy, fast or comfortable. And yeah, it often feels like drowning a little bit.
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But dang, sink to the bottom of that ocean and the only place to go is up.
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#growth #evolve #metamorphosis #keeponkeepingon #grit

Day 1 of December-long kettlebell challenge comple

Day 1 of December-long kettlebell challenge completed. ✔ #5x5stronglifts .
Feeling strong (and jello legged) over here.
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I've been putting off starting strength training for so long. Now that I'm finally doing it I have that feeling again like I can literally do anything. That feeling I had after each of my girls homebirths and after finishing a 3 day water fast.
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I feel like a goddamn lioness right now. ROAR.
- @optimizing.mama
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#plussizefitness #kettlebells #workoutathome #ladyboss

Yesss!! Allll of these things are so amazing. I ap

Yesss!! Allll of these things are so amazing. I appreciate when each one of you takes the time to like, share, and comment! A little goes a long way for us!
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Thanks for supporting me as I live the dream! I love you all!! 💕
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#femalebusinessowner #smallbusiness #shopsmall #shoplocal #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner

Seriously. This is why implementing a meal plannin

Seriously. This is why implementing a meal planning template is so important!
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Join us on Jan 1st at the 'Start 2020 Organized' workshop to build and customize your own meal planning template that will carry your household through the year! No more stress and fast, junky meals because there is no meal plan in place!
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We will also be talking about creating laundry and cleaning systems to help streamline those tasks as well!
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Get your household flow on point! Start the year organized. Start with us!
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Limited tickets are left! Link in bio!
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#householdflow #mealplanning #laundry #getorganized

📣Black Friday Sale!📣 . 🎁Get the perfect g

📣Black Friday Sale!📣
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🎁Get the perfect gift for that person who has everything, literally. 🎁
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Applies to all services!
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Only a few 50% off gift cards left! .
Get yours now, link in bio!

PSA: Happiness is a choice and that choice is mad

PSA:
Happiness is a choice and that choice is made internally.
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#conciousliving #experiencesoverthings

Yup, pretty amazing what a couple of hours and a f

Yup, pretty amazing what a couple of hours and a few shelves can do for a space!
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50% off gift cards now! Give the gift of organizing help! .
Link in bio! .
#garageorganization #organizedgarage #professionalorganizer

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! 📣 . 50% OFF ALLLLL gift card

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! 📣
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50% OFF ALLLLL gift cards through Dec 2!
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Organizing help is the perfect gift for someone who has everything (literally)!
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Give a gift card or use it yourself, we won't judge.
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Code: black50
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Link in bio!

Man, I would so love to be thinking about spring c

Man, I would so love to be thinking about spring cleaning again right about now...
#notreadyforwinter

Because every linen closet needs a little reset so

Because every linen closet needs a little reset sometimes!
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#linencloset #organizationreset #organizedcloset

That time I spoke to the Austin Tiny House Communi

That time I spoke to the Austin Tiny House Community about streamlining and simplifying.
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#downsizing #minimalism #tinyhouseliving #liveintentionally

Why wait?! Black Friday Sale starts NOW! . What's

Why wait?! Black Friday Sale starts NOW!
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What's the best gift you could give someone who has literally everything? HELP ORGANIZING IT!
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Now through Sunday Dec 1st ALL GIFT CARDS are 50% OFF!!
{You can give these as a gift or use them yourself, we won't judge!}
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These can be applied to ANY Organizing Service!
-General Organizing Consultation (home, work or life)
-Household Flow Session
-Toy Organization + Rotation Session
-General Organizing Session (home, work or life)
-Family Meeting Session
-Virtual Organizing Session
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LINK IN BIO!
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Gift cards must be used by March 31st, 2020. Not redeemable for cash.

You guys!! This Black Friday I'm going to be givin

You guys!! This Black Friday I'm going to be giving a RIDICULOUS discount on holifay Gift Cards... the perfect gift for that person in your life who has everything... uh, literally.
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Keep an eye out! 👀

Less is more. Especially when it comes to kids toy

Less is more. Especially when it comes to kids toys.
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Fewer toys means longer attention spans, better quality of play; playing with toys in more varied types of ways.
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The key to less toys out at a time is TOY ROTATION!
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Only leave out minimal toys that fit on the shelves (not crammed) and put the rest away. Rotate the toys every few weeks or when you notice that they are no longer being played with.
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I helped this mama bring alllll the toys to one area so we could get a big pic view of just what all we were workin' with. We left out some toys that hadn't been seen in a while and packed the rest away for rotation. (Swipe for befores)
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Minimizing toys doesnt mean you have to chuck 'em or donate them all. Just get some bins and store them away for a few weeks or for a time when you really need the kids to stay occupied for a while. Bringing out a bin of toys that have been out of sight for a while is like rediscovering them all over again (and quite literally as well, with how often kids are developmentally changing).
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I use this trick when I need to get in a few more mins of uninterrupted work or when I just need a min alone. It's amazing. .
#toyorganization #toyrotation #playroomorganization #organizedtoys #minimaltoys

This holiday season when you find yourself wanting

This holiday season when you find yourself wanting to buy allllll the things...
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Before you click "submit order", ask yourself... for what? Why? What value will these new items actually add to your life? What are your motivations for wanting to purchase? External? Internal?
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Will these items add more income/create more free time for you? Provide a relief from stress? Improve your health? Quality of life? Genuinely make your life or your family members lives better? Increase in value over time?
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Make a list if you aren't sure. Is there another, more important area you could you be putting these resources in? Are these items better than money spent on experiences?
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And, like Jay-Z says... can you even afford it? 😉

Understanding other people's personalities, perspe

Understanding other people's personalities, perspectives and strengths/weaknesses is really the key to effective communication.
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When I was 13, I was given this book (swipe for book) and I took the personality test in the front (MBTI). Upon calculating my results and reading the description for my type, I was instantly astonished. How did they know me?! I was shocked, it was so accurate.
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I then devoured the book several times and started testing everyone in my family and all of my friends. I started understanding the people who I never understood before. Instead of pushing people away with my communication, now I could modify it a little bit and get my point across so much better.
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Instead of being offended by someone else's communication, I started stepping back and trying to understand where they were coming from.
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I started to understand my own strengths and weaknesses better. I even made a list of my weaknesses so that I could identify them as they happened in real time. It's been monumental in helping me develop self-awareness and improve myself.
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I attribute reading (memorizing) this book to helping me develop my love of understanding, connecting with, and helping people.
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What's your type? I'm ENTJ.
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#mbti #meyersbriggs #pleaseunderstandme #personalitytypes #entj

So much fun filming the workshop promo this mornin

So much fun filming the workshop promo this morning!
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Thank you to all my lovely friends (models) who took time out of their day to do the same thing 10 times in a row with a camera in their face!
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I appreciate you all!! 💕

This attic corner went from cluttered chaos to pro

This attic corner went from cluttered chaos to productive and inspiring work space in just 3 hours.
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When I left, this client was so excited about having an organized workspace to finally start creating again.
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After clearing out, sorting and homing everything in this space we moved the drawers away from the window and dusted. Just those two seemingly simple things really transformed this space, opening up that energy and air flow.
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Never underestimate a good dusting, rearranging and sweeping.
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Check out my stories for details on the closet storage!
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#atticorganization #professionalorganizer #kansascity

What a fun group of ladies last night to discuss H

What a fun group of ladies last night to discuss Household Flow with!
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Can you tell I'm sooo into household flow and I *must* talk with my hands? 🤪
@optimizing.mama
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#professionalorganizer #speaking #householdflow

New garage storage from @kccustomclosets !! . But

New garage storage from @kccustomclosets !! .
But seriously, this is soooo much storage for those tiny, numerous tool parts! I love so much how you can just close up the drawers and doors and it's no longer a crazy, cluttered mess just hangin' out on a work table.
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Use coupon code "organizingkc" for 10% OFF of your custom storage from @kccustomclosets .
They don't just do closets! They can help you get the organizing infrastructure for literally any space!
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#kansascity #overlandparkks #leawoodks #organizing #homeorganizing #garageorganization #garage #professionalorganizer

Start 2020 with a plan in place! . In this worksho

Start 2020 with a plan in place!
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In this workshop, @optimizing.mama will lead us in a discussion about the different aspects that go into creating successful household flow, family schedules, and productive routines.
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All participants will create your own individual household flow plan and family schedule. Together we will all create a list of productive routines and goals as we go, prepared, into a new calendar year.
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Lunch will be catered and a list of suggested (not required) organizational planning items will be emailed after ticket purchases.
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SPACE IS LIMITED to 20 people. Reserve your spot now!
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When: Wednesday, January 1, 2020
11am – 2pm
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Where: @vintagehouse7612
7612 W 80th St, Overland Park, KS 66204
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Ticket link in bio!

What a great afternoon with my fellow badass entre

What a great afternoon with my fellow badass entrepreneur ladies!

So excited to be a part of this event THIS SUNDAY!

So excited to be a part of this event THIS SUNDAY!
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Come say hi and shop some amazing local vendors!
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#shoplocal #badassentrepreneurs #downtownop

Life is too short to waste time seeking external a

Life is too short to waste time seeking external approval.
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Be authentic.
Make *yourself* proud.

We had the best weekend making memories with Gma a

We had the best weekend making memories with Gma and Gpa in Texas while staying at cozy cabins on a little pond in the middle of the woods! 🌲🌳🌲
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We played in the trees🌲, went fishing🎣, splashed in the creek💦, built campfires🔥, explored together🔦 and enjoyed eachother's company. 💕

Hi? Hello? Is this the same garage?! . It's pretty

Hi? Hello? Is this the same garage?!
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It's pretty amazing what 3 hours, 5 shelving units, and a little bit of muslce hustle can accomplish.
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It's an amazing thing going into winter a with a little more organization in storage areas...
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Swipe for before pics! More pics and video in "Garages" stories!

Happy 5 year Anniversary to this fiiiiine AF man!!

Happy 5 year Anniversary to this fiiiiine AF man!! 🎉
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He's the bestest friend, husband, dad and all around human I've ever met. He inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself but still loves and appreciate this work-in-progress version.
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Love you (times infinity), Kelly!! 💕

"If you have a difficult problem or obstacle try w

"If you have a difficult problem or obstacle try writing the situation down on paper 📝. This gets it out of your mind and into the physical where you can gain a second perspective on it.
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Acknowledging what we are going through is the best way to get through it however allowing something to shimmer in the mind too long only amplifies it.
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We know that the longer we dwell on a problem the larger it appears. Writing it down allows you to take a bird’s eye view of the situation, and find that the solution is likely simpler than you think.
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When a situation is dominating your thoughts to the point where you are anxious, tired, and cannot think of anything else, get out your journal.
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Write the problem down then ask yourself:
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Can I do anything about this problem?
How can I do this?
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Or can I make peace with this problem?
How do I go about this?
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Once you have wrote those answers down think of the problem as out of your system and close the book.
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The truth is that problems stop being problems when you see them for what they really are: a call to grow and respond differently.
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Obstacles don’t go away, you just view them with new eyes." Words: @ledbysource

#journaling #problemsolving #lifehack #sanitysaver

You know, fall is a really great time to get organ

You know, fall is a really great time to get organized (though, anytime is better than never). 🍃🍂 .
There's just something so settling about going into the winter a little more organized and with some wiggle room, especially where garages are concerned. 🚘
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[Swipe for before!]

We had the best ever weekend camping in the rain w

We had the best ever weekend camping in the rain with our friends⛺, exploring nature🌱, playing in the dark🔦, biking🚴‍♀️, touring the Watkins Mill Manor (and seeing what life was like in the 1800's at the Fall Fest), roasting marshmallows over the campfire🔥, and waking up cozy in a sleeping bag. .
These are the moments life is all about. ❤
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Also, being in the cold rain and among the muddy aftermath for 3 days really make you appreciate a hot shower.♨️🚿
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[More of our weekend in my stories!]

We are our own worst critics and we tend to give g

We are our own worst critics and we tend to give grace to everyone in our lives except for ourselves.
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I can't even count how many of my clients see themselves as flaming hot messes when really, they are usually just more of a... slightly warm hodgepodge.
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Today's client reminded me of how much pressure we all put on ourselves to be doing alllll the things 110%. It's insane. There is absolutely no way that any one of us can kick major ass in our full-time day job, come home and keep the family happy, fed, clothed, engaged AND still have time to do the bajillion household tasks that are continuously looming.
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We all need to just STOP PUTTING SO MUCH PRESSURE ON OURSELVES.
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So, right now, I give you permission to ease the lofty expectations you have set for the way your home *should* look. Afterall, life is about the people, not the things.
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Perfection is a myth, especially when it comes to home organization. Here's a secret: Instagram photos of perfectly organized utensil drawers ARE A LIE. If the house is lived in and being used, they never stay that way for long. And you know what, that's ok! (That's what quarterly resets are for!)
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Sometimes organization is just having all the kitchen items IN the kitchen or having a basket of what you know are clean clothes to pick out of for the week. Sometimes organization is knowing that you have baking sprinkles even if they are hidden behind a multitude of other baking items.
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So, if your kitchen items are in the kitchen and you can locate some clean clothes admist the chaos of running a home and raising kids and sharing intimacy with your partner and keeping your pets alive... sometimes that's as good as it's going to get for this season of life and that's ok.
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But hey, if your home chaos really has you stressed... the answer is to simplify.
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SIMPLIFY. Declutter. Pair down. Purge. Donate. Chuck it!
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As cliche as it is... organization is a journey, not a destination... and that journey is a lot easier to trek with less items to carry with you.
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Don't let pefect be the enemy of good. Sometimes good is GOOD ENOUGH. 💕

Still the most accurate Meyers Briggs test. ✔ .

Still the most accurate Meyers Briggs test. ✔
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#entj #meyersbriggs #mbti #personalitytypes #personalitytest

Sometimes I get so frustrated because I have such

Sometimes I get so frustrated because I have such little time to myself or to work on my business.
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There's this insane pressure to get alllll the things done during the 1-2 hour daily nap time that I start panicking as soon as 15 minutes elapses and I almost freeze in anxiety at trying to order-prioritize the 67,384 tasks I'm responsible for.
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Sometimes I feel so bummed that we don't have any family close to help with the girls and give Kelly and I more time to enjoy eachother or work on the house.
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Sometimes I get so burnt out on being incessantly touched, clung to, needed and depended on. Sometimes I just want to run screaming out the door as soon as Kelly gets home from work, "See ya, suckers!"
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But, mostly... I really love my life. I've chosen it to be exactly this way for a reason. When the days are long and the whining is relentless, I just keep reminding myself that this isn't permanent. These girls won't be tiny forever. Someday, instead of insisting I hold them, they won't want me to.
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When I start feeling like an unproductive loser I just remind myself that taking these few years to stay at home and focus on these growing people instead of growing my business is the most important kind of long-term investment.
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I'm missing the networking events and happy hours but getting the bedtime stories and rando "why?" life-questions. I'm trading in cute outfits and long curls for leggings and perpetual mombuns. I'll get to spend hours on marketing strategies and CRMs again someday...
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So, for now, I'm going to try my best to be present in this season of life and enjoy the paint messes and teething cuddles. I'm going to try to focus on of the many amazing aspects of staying at home instead of the struggles.
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"The days are long and the years are short." "It's over before you know it." "You'll miss them when they're grown."
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So, for now... for this day... I'm thankful.

You guys!! We are starting a book club on October

You guys!! We are starting a book club on October 1st!
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First book: Raising an Organized Child: 5 Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration and Promote Confidence
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We'll start off with this short, 8 chapter book and meet every other Tuesday evening at Brookside Whole Foods (upstairs seating area). We've planned 4 meetings, discussing 2 chapters at a time.
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Come meet with @aundreaanderson and I (and whoever else!) to discuss the fascinating concepts around helping our kids practice using those executive functions and hopefully winning at life!
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More info in stories: Book Club!

I helped organize the cutest little playroom this

I helped organize the cutest little playroom this morning for two Barbie lovin', dress-up playin', craft makin' little girls.
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We created a specific area for each toy-type and created a special little reading nook and dress-up station with easy-to-use hooks! Adorable and functional!
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(Swipe for 'before' video.)
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See more from this session in my stories/highlights: Playroom Reset!

I'm an 8w9. Do you enneagram?? ・・・ If you’

I'm an 8w9. Do you enneagram?? ・・・
If you’re an Eight and you know it raise your hand!
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Eights are the only Enneagram type that you can literally feel walk into a room. They are the football coach with confidence for days, the boss that's very presence inspires everyone to sit a little taller, and your best friend who you know has a soft heart, but everyone else thinks is insensitive.
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Eights aren’t called the challenger for nothing, with an energy and confidence about them that few can beat, an Eight won’t bow away from a verbal spar. In fact they’ll often drop a controversial bomb on a conversation just to stir things up, and see if anyone has the guts to stand up to them. Eights can also be known as the advocate, this is because of their fire for justice, and standing up for the underdog. Wherever there's a protest against ill treatment, you’ll probably find more than a handful of Eights shouting the loudest.
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When Eights are healthy, they are great leaders, loyal friends, and a champion for anyone who can’t stand up for themselves.
When unhealthy an Eight will be vengeful when wronged, bullies in conversations and work environments, and will keep people at arms length so that they won’t be hurt or betrayed.
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Eights deadly sin is Lust, but not a sexual lust, a lust for intensity. Not that all intensity is bad, but an Eights lust for intensity will often lead them to making mountains out of molehills, using people as tools to gain their desired end, and if an Eights need for intensity isn’t being met they’ll create drama to obtain it.
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If you know/love an Eight, keep in the back of your minds that there is no one an Eight distrust more than someone who won’t shoot straight with them. Give them respect by telling them what you think, and challenging them back!
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If you are an Eight, I want to tell you that the world would be such a different place without your presence, and we need you to get the ball rolling most of the time.
One thing you can pay attention to this week is how much you are listening vs. talking. This can be a blind spot to most Eights, and it might be wise to ask a trusted friend if they feel heard by you.

It's so hard to get productive work done in a spac

It's so hard to get productive work done in a space that is filled with clutter and unfinished projects.
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Creative energy is practically drained from brains when you're trying to focus on one task with 13 others staring back at you.
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This morning I helped a busy business owning mama reset her home office. As an organized person by nature she noticed that her productivity was slowing and creativity waning as her office slowly became the out-of-sight catch all.
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We took all of the projects to their proper home (and/or created one for them), cleared out old files and condensed office supplies. No more random items cluttering up the floor or corners of the room. No more old cords, product boxes and obsolete electronics taking up closet storage space.
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I say this all the time, but even the most organized people need help sometimes... it's life. Every well-used space needs a reset every now and then.
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More video and pics of this in my stories: Office Reset!

And then one day after weeks of struggling and fru

And then one day after weeks of struggling and frustration at not being able to "write all her name letters" your 4 year old writes her name for the first time.✏ 😍 #theygrowupsofast #montessorikids

Little explorer! #wildandfree #moveyourdna

Little explorer!
#wildandfree #moveyourdna

Ruby has been sick all week: snotty and whiny af.

Ruby has been sick all week: snotty and whiny af. So, aside from morning walks and playing in the yard, it's been a lot of low-key inside time.
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Too much time spent at home translates into extra tidying and organizing for me. I can only stack blocks and sort shapes for so long before the clutter starts beckoning me.
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So, I've been on a "list everything you own on marketplace" and purging spree.
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After cleaning out and organizing the front entry closet (removing wrong sized, rarely worn coats and getting winter items ready to go), I moved onto the dining room.
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I love our small house. I mean, 1000sq ft is a lot bigger than the 180sq ft 1972 Airstream I tried to talk Kelly into living in with me 5 years ago... but, it's still small. Which means we have to be very conscious and intentional about what we bring into this space.
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The dining room had a table to the right of the door that I removed. Initally I thought I'd use it for vitamix and supplements, but that got crazy real quick.
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I also rotated and moved the table out from the wall. The room seems bigger without the walls being so blocked by furniture.
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The corner shelf is never going to look picture perfect. It's a constant catch-all that takes regular decluttering. It's home to fresh produce, remote office storage and kid's art supplies. The kids do their art and crafts at the table, so it makes the most sense to store them there. It's a small storage space that serves a purpose, so I don't mind regularly editing it.
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What is one area of your home that could use a reset?

Ok, but for real... @oldshawneepizza is killin' it

Ok, but for real... @oldshawneepizza is killin' it with this keto pizza crust! The whole family thought it was great... even my pickiest of picky toddlers! So, win!
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📷: Mediterranean (sub italian sausage with chicken) on @fattyheadketocrust .
🤤🤤🤤

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