love this thought

"if i could get more space in my ______________, I'd give up my ______________."

--found on the container stores facebook page

linkville, usa

did you guys see this? the container store rocks out a narrow home office space in the september pages of real simple. 

holy moly! adam received a batch of cookies + milk last week for his birthday from here. and how lovely, the milk was from broguiere's (glass bottles that you return when done).

oh yeah... Bneato Organizing Boot Camp will be featured on BloomSpot this Saturday.

did you know you can use your phone to deposit checks if you bank with chase? yep, there's an iphone app for that.

container store shopping trip

yes. i have to admit it. i love the container store. but don't get any wild ideas that i just go in their and aimlessly buy crap (i'm usually shopping for clients from a specific list). but today... i'm shopping for me! since moving into the new pad with "the beau" we have yet to get the closets organized. i've been so busy getting the rest of the place in tip-top shape that our closets have been left to their own devices (there isn't a shoe rack to be found in our home and our hamper storage doesn't suit our new closet dimensions). and lucky me, the container store is having a sale!

expandable shoe rack

mesh + chrome laundry stand

oh yeah, our dvds are a mess too. i love these woven containers for keeping them searchable!

and down the road, you can always repurpose them to store something else

i'm not buying this but if i had a proper vanity area, it would be rad. mad scientist meets organization.

it's a done deal

yesterday, i received the container store catalogue for kids (fun storage for neat kids) and inside, i found a pic of one of my favorite organizing products--the folding mesh cube. i use it for sorting and transporting items on the job (clients always ask about them). not to mention they fold down in half a sec to store effortlessly. lucky for us, they're on sale. i like the 16" size the best (so you can sort for longer:). in addition to being on sale, you can also download a free app for your iPhone or blackberry that will give you 15% off your container store purchase from this place online called yowza (mobile coupons). happy thursday to us!

ps; they come in a handful of colors besides blue; pink, black and white

old use, new use

in the container store's "what's hot" of january 2010, they highlighted a few items for organizing your jewelry. we zeroed in on this cutlery organizer which can be repurposed for storing bracelets. old use, new use--love it!

flickr friday

until our flickr group gets loaded with folks organized homes, we're scouring the world wide web for pics. today's pic is from the container store's facebook page. now until january 22nd, the container store is having their "most organized fan contest" on facebook. upload pics of your organized space onto their page for a chance to win!

ps: their elfa shelving system is on sale right now (30% off) you really don't want to miss out

(image: from the container's stores facebook page)

Our Favorite Products...

We had a blast Saturday morning while leading our first Field Trip to The Container Store. Here are some of the products we talked about during our walk-through. If you missed out on this event, check back--we plan on scheduling another field trip soon!

Collapsable containers are great for sorting items (make sure to attach label, ie: KEEP/TOSS, etc.)  We also like using these mesh containers for an in/out box for library books, clothes to be donated.  Or, place one or two in the car to corral groceries and shopping items.

These hooks from 3M are great for hanging necklaces in the bathroom or hidden away in the closet.  Plus, they come off easily and you won't need to worry about extra hardware or nailing holes in the wall.

Stick these on the fridge to hold kid's artwork and important papers that need to be signed.  

Wall pockets are our favorite way to organized in the home office.  These beauties hold active paperwork that need to be front and center.

Over the door shoe organizers are great for utilizing vertical space on the door.  Use in the entryway closet for batteries or craft supplies (great for when you're out of drawer space).  Or use in the bathroom for holding make-up and toiletries.

We love shelf dividers for keeping sweaters and workout clothes in order.

We all agreed--shelf risers are great for doubling your storage space.  Use in bathrooms under the sink, in the kitchen for storing dishes or in the closet to stack sweaters or accessories (use a bin with a label for items that aren't stackable).

The Container Store... A Giveaway

I could do plenty of damage with $2,500 from The Container Store. First, I'd pick up some eco-friendly containers and donate my current, plastic set. Then, I'd head over to all the Umbra organizing products and pick out my fav's. If I had enough cash left over, I'd create my own custom made desk (sweet)!  Enter to win here.

field trip to... The Container Store

Why do I want to take a group of people to The Container Store?  Because it will be sooooo much fun!  When I visit The Container Store, I gain tons of inspiration from the in-store displays.  I've also found that it helps to see what size/shape containers are being used to store particular items.  I then go home (or to the thrift store) and buy similar containers to organize my belongings.  Of course The Container Store does carry amazing products--some of which I can't live without (and I'll definitely be highlighting those as well).  In addition to products, I'll be focusing on the right products to help you organize a bathroom.  Sign up here (space is limited).

The Container Store Field Trip (no charge)

Saturday, November 7th @ 11 am

One East Union Street

Pasadena, CA 91103

Hmmmmmm...

Hmmmmmm. Not sure how I feel about these hangers. I was at Target yesterday where they popped out from the entire aisle of hangers. I want to like them but they seem so darn thin (which is what they're promoting). My issue with these hangers is they claim to double or triple your closet space. First of all, the traditional homeowner is going to have plastic hangers or the wire hangers you get from the dry cleaners (which are already pretty thin). The only way these hangers would maximize your closet space is if you switch from using these lust-worthy hangers from the Container Store. And I have a sneaking suspicion that if someone is using thick, walnut hangers, they've got a big enough closet for their fancy clothes. I honestly hate hanging up my clothes. That's why I have a huge dresser. More than half of my clothes go directly from the dryer to my dresser drawers (and I couldn't be happier). Plus, my closet is the size of a telephone booth--not kidding. I'll take a photo soon to prove it.