Lists and Notepads

I'm always talking about making lists.  And I want you to use to lists efficiently rather than let them end up as more paper clutter.  So here are good notepads to keep on hand that let you scribble down things for your to do list and keep you on track without overtaking your desk:

I love my Moleskine notebook.  This tiny pocket size fits neatly into my purse side pocket, making it easy to grab when I need to quickly write something down.

These Post-It notes are lined; perfect for making lists.  And then you can stick them where you need them (if you're running errands for the day, stick it to the front door so you can double check everything before you leave) and toss them when you're done.

Very self explanatory, these notepads will keep you on track. 

This classic spiral notebook (with a cute little cover, I might add) is easy to tote around. I just ask that you use it consistently and consecutively and toss it when you're done.  Don't switch back and forth between pads, leaving a collection of half used notebooks.  That just adds to your piles of clutter!

Tell me, Appleshiners, what type of notepads do you prefer to use?

Back in the Big Apple

Appleshine is back in the Big Apple!  After traveling in and out to Southampton and DC in the last week, the blog has been a lil' slim.  I promise to make it up to you with some good before/after pics next week.

In the meantime, I've noticed quite an online buzz on babies lately.  (Does spring fever = baby fever??)  Here are some great articles on organizing everything from nurseries to toy boxes:

Some tried-and-true tips for organizing toys from A Cup of Jo's Joanna Goddard, pulled from the book Simplicity Parenting.

My friend, Marcela Barraza, is the queen of green cleaning.  Ok, I kinda just made up that title but she is so passionate about green cleaning and its benefits.  She spoke at The Pregnant New Yorker event about the importance of using safe cleaning products around babies and young children.

And if you need some inspiration for organizing the older kids' rooms, check out this before/after of a girl's bedroom, playroom or a boy's playroom.


Tell me, Appleshiners, what tips do you have for balancing babies and organization?

Whittling Down the To Do List

Hello, there!  Hope you had a fun weekend.  I love the first weekend in May for more than just the KY Derby (always the first Saturday in May) because, to me, it represents the official start of warm weather.  Even if there's a less than sunny day coming up, my mind stills tells me that it's Spring and it's warm.  And that makes me happy.

Know what else makes me happy?  Checking off things on my to do list. And I did alot of that this weekend, while still leaving ample time to drinks juleps and cheer on horse racing.  And come Sunday night, it felt great to settle for a 'night in' at my apartment with an unclogged sink, a working toilet, a new lightbulb in the fridge and an empty checklist.  Just in time, too, since I'm off to DC for a couple days to help a client get organized in their new home.  Remember when we were packing him up before his move?  Can't wait to show you how this project goes, too!

I might be gone from the blog for a few days while I'm away on this project but I'll be back (with good before/afters) soon enough ;)

Tell me, Appleshiners, what did you cross off your to do list this weekend?

Organization Inspiration: Quote

(Nan Lawson)

"Declutter the mess in your home and your heart. Don't let your past crowd out your future."

What a beautiful quote from Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis. And I couldn't agree more.  When you move out physical clutter from your life, you're also clearing out psychological and emotional clutter as well.  When you've relieved yourself of the extra baggage, your 'weight' is lighter and forward moving rather than heavy and stuck in the past.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how have you cleared out old clutter to make room for your future?

An Appleshining Weekend

Hi friends!  Sorry I wasn't around yesterday; I've been busy Appleshining a client in Southampton.  It was so lovely to get out of the city for a bit, especially to the lush, east end of Long Island.  I didn't have time to see the beach but I did get to smell the salty air.  Yay for summer coming soon!

I promise to get back on blogging track soon enough.  Just wanted to let you know what I've been up to.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how was your weekend?

PS- If you need a little organization inspiration, check out Part 1 and Part 2 of unpacking a kitchen.  Or this post on a home office.