18/04/2023
Oh, the cutlery drawer. A hidden treasure trove of tarnished spoons, crumbs and random elastic bands β
β
When people think of organising their homes, small spaces like this get forgotten. The wardrobe is a favourite place to work on, but it's easy to forget the hardest working areas of the homeβ
β
We use cutlery every single day, which you would think garners some respect. β
β
Yet our cutlery drawers can be so jam-packed with unnecessary things that we can't even open the drawer easily πβ
β
βοΈLet's start here.β
β
1οΈβ£Take everything out of the drawer. β
2οΈβ£ Clean the inside space and wash the dividerβ
4οΈβ£Categorise the items and declutter what you don't needβ
5οΈβ£ Soak the metal items in hot water and vinegar to make them sparkleβ
6οΈβ£ Polish and return to the drawerβ
β
Make sure everything goes into its own space and is easy to access.β
β
It's incredible how many wooden spoons, chopsticks and multiples of items end up here.β
β
Ask yourself what do you use and give yourself permission to get rid of the rest β€οΈβ
β
Your kitchen will be sparking joy in no time!π₯³β
β
17/04/2023
Happy Spring, friends! The perfect time of year to get the house in order. Tidying up means can mean different things for everyone πΈ
For some, out of sight, out of mind is their go-to. Generally means, items are shoved under the bed or in a cupboard to achieve an aesthetic of tidiness. For others, it means surfaces being clean but still feeling stressed by the number of things they do not use.
ββ
Before you start getting your home in order, it's essential to understand the difference between decluttering and organising.
ββ
ποΈ Decluttering is the process of removing items you no longer need, use or love. It's about creating space and removing clutter to make your living or working environment more functional and less overwhelming.ββ
ββ
π Organising, on the other hand, is about arranging the items you keep in an efficient and systematic way. It's about finding a place for everything and making it easy to access and use when you need it.ββ
ββ
β¨ Both decluttering and organising are important steps in creating a clean and tidy space. But they are distinct processes that serve different purposes.ββ
ββ
ππ»If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter, start by decluttering. This will help you create space and make it easier to organise the things you want to keep.ββ
ββ
π₯If you've already decluttered and are looking to organise your remaining belongings, focus on finding a place for each item that makes sense for how you use them.ββ
ββ
π§ΉRemember, decluttering and organising are ongoing processes, not one-time events. By regularly assessing and reorganising your belongings, you can keep your space clutter-free and functional.ββ
ββ
What are your tips for optimising your space? I would love to hear them! π
ββ
decluttering lifechangingmagicoftidyingup
30/08/2022
Is your home too busy to relax in?πͺ΄β
β
I don't mean how full up your calendar is but how jam-packed your space is π‘β
β
Many people assume that tidying their home using the Marie Kondo method means getting rid of everything and living in a stark white container πβ
β
I promise you that's not the case! Whether you prefer to be minimalist or have a vast collection of home items, the most important thing is that they so spark joy for you β€οΈβ
β
Think of your home like an art gallery, and you're the curator. Every loved piece gets to have its special place and feels amazing to look and use β¨β
β
Purposeful design is vital if you want a simple life, as it doesn't happen by default. Letting go of what no longer works is a cleansing experience and helps to live a more intentional life that is focused in the present π₯°β
β
How does your home make you feel? Could you benefit from a decluttering and organising session? πͺβ
β
22/08/2022
How do you store your jeans?π
Some people like to hang theirs or stack them on top of each other. My favourite way to organise them is using a rectangular fold - made famous by Marie Kondo herself! ππ»
Jeans are usually made of rigid denim which means when folded correctly they have enough support to stand upright in your drawers or on a shelf π©³
Benefits of vertical storage is that you have easy access to your clothing without having to mess everything up by pulling it apart ππ»
You may think folding like this would create wrinkles. Surprisingly folding clothes like this prevents creases if the material is pulled taut enough π
Using your hands to fold is a great way to smooth out the creases as the warmth of your hands acts like an iron ππ»
An organised wardrobe is not only practical but beautiful to look at too π₯°
If youβd like to learn how to fold your clothes like this get in touch! I'm now taking on new clients for September π₯³
29/04/2022
Clutter. We all have it, but what does it really mean? π€·π»ββοΈβ£
β£
In my experience, people negatively associate with the word as though the word itself is embarrassing πβ£
β£
The dictionary definition of it says it's βa collection of things lying about in an untidy stateβ πβ£
β£
This statement gives me hope as it doesn't negatively connotate that the items themselves are wrong, just in an untidy state! π€β£
β£
Untidiness happens when items don't have a proper home to go to, but that is easily remedied! β€οΈβπ©Ήβ£
β£
Your clutter can be made up of essential things, i.e., having a messy desk of work documents. Just because they are messy doesn't mean they are all to go in the bin!π They just need to be organised and stored in their property home πβ£
β£
So next time you feel stressed and think, βOh my God, I have so much clutter β, π Pause and reframe that thought. βI have wonderful items that need to be re-homed, and I can handle that with easeβ π₯°β£
β£
Our thoughts impact our level of satisfaction in life depending on how positively or negatively we engage with what life throws at us ππ»
β£
Granted, not all these items will stay- some you might decide to declutter!- but your thought process will take self-criticism out of the equation βΊοΈβ£
β£
Clutter breeds clutter to stop it from building in the first place, but each item away as you use it. Your future self will thank you ππ»β£
β£
What's your relationship with clutter like?πβ£
β£
22/04/2022
Happy Earth Day, Everyone! π
I'm a big believer in the power of gratitude. I write a gratitude list daily of all the things I'm thankful for in my life which helps keep me in a positive mindsetβ¨
Today I'm feeling even more grateful for this beautiful planet we all share π
I was recently home for Easter in Ireland. The weather was a mixed bag, but every day we had a few glorious moments to be thankful forππ»
We went for a hike up a nearby hill in West Cork, and this was the spectacular view waiting for us at the top π₯°
Living in a busy city like London, there can be a massive disconnect from nature and a yearning to be more engaged with it π
My happiest moments are those spent with family and friends in nature. It's my happy place- particularly when I'm by the seaπ
Today on this Earth Day, instead of giving you a list of sustainable practices to tick off, how about taking some time to be outside and think about the things you appreciate? β
Take the time to breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on your face- if you are lucky to have it! Walk barefoot in the garden or go for a walk in the park π£
We only have one planet, and our relationship with it is crucial for survival. Be mindful, take care of it and take care of each other π
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you manage to get out in nature for a bit of it! π
20/04/2022
Does anyone else love their label maker as much as I do?ππ»ββοΈ
No? Just me then ππ
Often my clients will ask what the most useful tool I use daily is, and I've got to say it's my label maker π₯°
I use an embossed handheld style for certain household goods as I love its stamped aesthetic and also that it's battery-free! Heads up that it is labour intensive as you are punching each letter individually, so if that's not your thing, then Iβd recommend an electronic one ππ»
This drawer once held an array of spices that were messily all piled on top of each other with no sense of order. Now each spice has been labelled and decanted into these bigger jars. β© Swipe to see the new jars lined next to the old system
They are the perfect height for the drawer, have a good circumference for spooning out measurements and now have a lovely uniform feel now that you can see at a glance what's in there π
Repurposing what you already have instead of buying new is at the heart of good sustainability practices β»οΈ
Food jars for olives, dips or pasta sauce can be fantastic to keep as they come in different sizes. It takes time to build a collection that suits your needs, but if you're buying the food items anyway, then it's a win-win π₯°
What are your best repurposing hacks in the home? I'd love to know!π
26/01/2022
January is coming to a close. How has it been for you?β πβ
βββ
Have you kept up those resolutions, or are they already ancient history? βπ€·ββοΈββ
βββ
Granted, the new year is a great time to reevaluate goals and make a fresh start, but it doesn't mean it's the only time of the year you get the chance to do this! βπ ββ
βββ
Personally, I find January an especially hard month with the cold mornings and dark evenings.π¬β
β
It takes a lot of willpower to transform your life under these conditions when all we really want to do is hide under our duvets πβ
β
So, instead of attempting everything in the first month, I spread out the goals to other months where I can and use Jan to look at smaller tasks that get put off during the rest of the year. πβ
β
Take mending clothes, for instance. I bet you have more than one item that needs a button, a hole mended, or a zip fixed. π β
β
These clothes get forgotten about or perpetually put on the long finger. Let's take them out of their misery and give them a new lease of life! π₯°β
β
1. Spend an hour going through your wardrobe and pick out the items that need attention and put in a bag.πβ
β
2. Google your local tailor /repair store or ask friends for recommendations for sewists they might use. π»β
β
3. The most essential step! Don't procrastinate by leaving them under the stairs! Take them to be repaired as soon as you can β©
β
Even though it's winter, you know how fast the months will roll by. Any fine weather clothing that needs a fix will suddenly be ready for that next occasion and feel shiny and new! π₯³β
βββ
Are you ready to tackle your to-do list?πβ
βββββ
13/08/2021
So excited to let you know about my upcoming insta live about all things Marie Kondo with inspirational Mindset Coach β¨β£
β£
Iβll be sharing my personal journey as to how I became a KonMari Consultant and my top 3 tips for decluttering your space!π Itβs a conversation not to be missed π β£
β£
Come join us! π Friday, August 20th, at 8 pm (Irish/ UK time) β£
β£
β£
β£
04/08/2021
I've been thinking a lot about climate change of late given the rate of catastrophic weather events we are seeing on a daily basis π₯β£
β£
I am in awe of activists like Greta Thunberg. Her bravery has been the catalyst for millions to change their habits before it is too late π₯β£
β£
When I was her age, my climate activism inspiration came from Ali Gore and his film, An Inconvenient Truth πβ£
β£
When I see how much damage has occurred since the film's release in 2005, I can't help but feel fearful. Climate statistics can make me feel helpless at times but then I remember Greta and all the other individuals whose actions have already caused a sea of change and I am inspired to do my bit too πβ£
β£
My activism starts within the home as being a tidying consultant it's where I spend most of my time π‘β£
β£
I have become more selective about the clothes that join my wardrobe collection. Gone are the days of a pair of shoes to match one outfit or a single occasion π β£
β£
My wardrobes criteria are versatile, hard-wearing clothes that in a nutshell, spark joy. Clothes that I will use, repair and use again time after time πβ£
β£
I try to buy natural materials as much as possible that are not made from synthetic materials. However, I also realise that I need to support the circular economy, which will help keep existing plastic in use and out of our precious oceans πβ£
β£
I was kindly gifted these shoes by VIVAIA_official made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, which I thought was great! You can also throw them in the washing machine which is a convenient way to keep them clean ( however, I recommend using a guppy bag to stop any microplastics from entering the water system)β£
β£
So what can we do?π€·π»ββοΈβ£
β£
1. Keep what you love and really take care of it β€οΈβ£
β£
2. Tell companies you will support them when they support your valuesππ»β£
β£
3. Reduce your plastic intake. Reuse and repair the plastic you already have and as a last resort, recycle - never landfill β»οΈβ£
β£
There are no easy answers to how we can solve this climate crisis, but we definitely all need to work together
β£
Do you have any tips for dealing with climate anxiety? Would love to hear them!π
30/07/2021
Have you ever been told - if something is important to you, youβll make the time for it? β³β£
β£
Itβs something I firmly believe (but sometimes have to remind myself!)as itβs so easy to get overwhelmed by the humble brag of βOh I wish I could do [xyz] but Iβm just too busyββ£
β£
What does busy mean to you? Is it satisfying having a full schedule? Or, are you running around feeling exhausted by habits that arenβt serving your life purpose? β£
β£
Recently I read the book βAtomic Habits β by James Clear and this quote really struck a cord with me β We donβt rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systemsβ β£
β£
Wow. Now thereβs a mic drop! π€β£
β£
Systems are the answer to making sure our busy lives donβt mess up the goals and desires we had planned to put in action πβ£
β£
For instance, tidying your house once wonβt keep it in check forever ( I wish this was the case, but the truth is it takes effort!) π β£
β£
However there are simple changes you can make that help keep your life on top of the clutter! π₯β£
β£
1. Make a habit of putting things back at soon as you use them. This keeps rooms organised and makes sure nothing gets lost ππ»β£
β£
2. Allocate time for bigger tasks. If you canβt fold the laundry today, thatβs okay! Make a note to do it while listening to your favourite podcast or music when you have an hour free πΆβ£
β£
3. That being said about bigger tasks β¬οΈ Do the smaller ones now. Remember your future self will thank you for not leaving tasks on the long finger ππ»β£
β£
Every household is unique and only you can know what systems will serve you best. However, what I do know is that creating one now (instead of when you think youβll be ready )is one of the easiest things you can do to make your goals achievable β¨ β£
β£
23/06/2021
What school of thought do you fall into? βπ
ββ
Some uplevel through criticism, by overcoming negativity and proving themselves to those who didn't think they could. Others prefer a more supported route to their goalsβ€οΈ
ββ
I found that I make the greatest progress in all areas of my life through positivity and humour, which I use in my coaching. I want to be known for uplifting my clients instead of tearing them down. I don't see the point in judgement or shaming people for what they have or haven't done yetπ’ββ
I will always remember the teachers at school and University that pushed me enough to grow but never used my weaknesses or insecurities as a tactic to get results. The ones who used shaming are the ones I've learned to forgive and forget, but they aren't the ones that I will write about in future memoirs π
ββ
As good as the intentions of those who criticise us are, itβs almost impossible for our brains to separate the concept of βyou did a bad jobβ from β you are a bad personβ. It can take years to build up self-worth and seconds to tear it down. So being mindful of whom you share your vulnerability with is very important π
ββ
I believe that like attracts like, and when you research a service you want to use, it goes far beyond the immediate product as you check out the business itself. Who are they? Do they inspire you? Do you feel their style of coaching is aligned with your goals?π€·π»ββοΈ ββ
ββ
If you've worked on your personal development with someone before whose approach didn't best suit your style, don't let it get you down! There are so many coaching methods out there, and it takes time to find the perfect fit for youβ¨
ββ
Knowing your personality type and how you want to be pushed is essential before you begin your searchππ»
β
What do you look for in a service before you commit to it?π
β
β