Let's start with the entry way. The simple addition of hooks to this mirror from Crate & Barrel makes it a great place for keys, your purse and a good once-over before you head out the door.

Mudroom. Laundry Room. Garage. Back Door. Front Door.  Wherever it’s located, it’s your family’s direct route into your abode.  They come home from school, soccer practice, or work and they are simply too excited, tired or preoccupied to even think about putting their stuff in its proper place.  Books, jackets, shoes… the list goes on.  Where can we put it all?  I am not offering any miracle solutions but there are some stylish storage options that may make things easier to find when they are heading out again.  And let’s face it, you could use a place for your jacket, purse and keys.

The Painted Cottage Locker from LL Bean comes in 5 colors and is durable enough for jackets, boots and whatever else the kids bring home with them.

If you only have a corner to spare, then this is the perfect place to kick off your boots.

A modern approach keeps it simple but with lots of storage for shoes, leashes, and compact umbrellas.

So whether you are looking for a bench, mirror or bin, jump over to My Secret Database to find what you need!

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Today I am happy to welcome guest blogger, Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer.  She has a fabulous website and blog for those of us with a home office or anyone who just wants to get organized!  She does a great job of sharing her expert tips along with links to other sites that are immensely helpful.  I am glad she is with us today and I hope you enjoy her tips as much as I do!

~Lorrie

Get Organized: 6 Steps To Get Started

Ready to get organized?  If you’ve decided to get organized, you’re not alone.  Have you tried before and been unsuccessful? Don’t stress! It is possible to get organized and stay that way.  Pick one area at a time, and move onto the next.  Here’s some tips to help you get real and get going:

1. One project at a time.  Don’t tell yourself “I’m going to get my life organized”.  Guaranteed you’ll be burned out in two weeks.  Pick one room that you want to work on.  If that seems overwhelming, pick one bookcase or drawer.  Small successes will build your confidence and motivate you to move forward.
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify.  I’d just love to take credit for this quote, but I can’t - it’s Henry David Thoreau.  Part of getting organized is evaluating what you have and what you really need.  This is the first step, no avoiding it.  Yes it’s work, but if you don’t do it all the other efforts are wasted.
3. Work with what’s left.  Once you get down to what you really truly need you’re ready to go the next step.  What’s left will determine what sort of products you’ll need, and help you….
4. Assign homes.  Here’s a tip: “being organized” simply means everything has a place (and everything in it’s place…).  If it doesn’t have a home, it’s homeless and will wander aimlessly for all eternity.  So, do yourself a favor and commit to giving a home to everything you’ve decided to keep.  Take it one thing at a time, and put things together that make sense to you.  If that seems a little daunting and permanent, don’t worry - you can always move it later, but you have to start somewhere.
5. Put things away.  You don’t have to live in Perfection Utopia - it’s a myth and just not real.  Period. What you need to do is put things in their homes (see previous step) consistently.  Just like anything else you’ve got to do this and make it a habit.  Once you do, you’ll see your space change for good.
6. Change and re-evaluate as necessary.  Sometimes people move from one home to a new one. The only constant is change, so don’t worry if things in your space change - because they will.  So, go with it and re-evaluate as needed.

You really can change your life with organization.  And honestly, when I type that it sounds caddy and simplistic - but I know it to be true.  Start with changing your space.  Organize your stuff, get real with it, dig deep.  You just might surprise yourself!

Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer, is a dynamic speaker, author and professional organizer.  Brandie helps home office professionals get organized.  Her website includes free resources, teleclasses, personalized services and a blog with dozens of articles. For a free copy of her Top Ten Organizing Tips, visit her web site at www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com, or call her at 971-533-7735.

I bet that over the past year you have accumulated more clutter than you are willing to own up to.  It’s okay, most of us are in the same boat.  There is the coat closet that explodes at your feet each time you open it; neglected toys stashed and stacked in out of the way places; pantries that are home to 3-year-old chocolate chips.  I won’t tell anyone but I will give you a few tips that might make life a little easier and a little more organized.

• Start Small - Choose one room, closet or even a small area to conquer.  If you set out to do too much in one sitting you are setting yourself up for failure.  For instance, just start by working on one bookshelf.  Sort out the books you must keep and then donate the rest to your local library.  The library will often sell them to raise money.
• Assess the Situation - Before you start, consider why the area has gotten to this point in the first place.  Then figure out what organizational tools and accessories you need to improve it.  Take measurements and buy what you need so you can immediately start putting things in order after you clear out the clutter.
• Easy Identification - For the items that are going to be stored away in bins or containers, make sure they are clearly labeled or in transluscent bins so you can find things in a jiffy.  Clutter can often be a product of rifling though a closet to find something while in a rush.
• Make it a Family Affair - Kids will hang on to toys forever if you don’t ask them to make some tough choices.  If they have not played with the toy in a while, then it’s time to clean it up and donate it to a child that will.  Donating old toys provides a great opportunity to teach your child a valuable life lesson.
• Reward Yourself - Give yourself a pat on the back for the small victories.  A clean closet = an ice cream cone.  A well-ordered pantry = a bubble bath.  We must treasure our triumphs!

Summertime is for vacations and sipping lemonade in a hammock, but there will be a few rainy days here and there.  Take advantage of those days to make some headway in your home.

Visit some of the great companies that carry Organizational Products in My Secret Database!

The Land of Nod elicits images of sleepy children with visions of fantasy and fairy tales dancing through their heads.  The store does a great job of following up on this unique concept.  They have crafted a visually attractive (and functional) website in shades of light blue and green housing an array of products that are equally as appealing.

They go beyond the usual little girl and little boy themes by offering bedding with crisp ticking stripes and imaginative graphics.  And it’s all pulled together with furniture that’s available in a rainbow of colors.  They also have an enormous assortment of storage, wall decals, rugs and window treatments; plus a whole lot more.

They started their business in their basement with a noisy furnace and inventory stashed in bedrooms and bathrooms.  Now they have partnered with Crate and Barrel to increase their service level and selection.  They have furnishings that can take your child from newborn to early-teens.  Check it out!

 Visit Land of Nod and other vendors with great decor options for Babies & Children!