Nursery Scheme Packets

I've been having lots of friends and family ask about the scheme for my nursery...

As a designer, I know the importance of having accurate samples to reference instead of simply telling everyone we decided to go with a green paint color. So, I put together a little packet to share, including:

Paint Sample- I picked up extra paint cards and clearly noted which color we have selected. We use Dunn Edwards paint and have found the sample cards to be pretty close to the final result.

Fabric Sample- Buy a bit extra fabric to share and use for future potential projects.

Fabric Photos- If the entire pattern of the fabric is not included in the sample you provide, print out photos to show the entire pattern as well as details.

Wrap it up! I've simply used an envelope large enough to fit my samples and labeled it. Mail them out or pass them along to those interested. If supply is limited and folks are local, ask them to return the samples once they no longer need it, so you can share with others. Most people who are interested enough to ask, appreciate having the reference for whatever they have in mind :)

Create & enjoy the world around you...

Best Procrastination Tip Ever

Post written by Leo Babauta.

Your first thought as you look at this article will be, “I’ll read this later.”

But don’t. Let the urge to switch to a new task pass. Read this now.

It’ll take you two minutes. It’ll save you countless hours.

I’ve written the book on ending procrastination, but I’ve since come up with a very simple technique for beating everyone’s favorite nemesis. It is incredibly easy, but as with anything, it takes a little practice.

Try it now:

Identify the most important thing you have to do today.

Decide to do just the first little part of it — just the first minute, or even 30 seconds of it. Getting started is the only thing in the world that matters.

Clear away distractions. Turn everything off. Close all programs. There should just be you, and your task.

Sit there, and focus on getting started. Not doing the whole task, just starting.

Pay attention to your mind, as it starts to have urges to switch to another task. You will have urges to check email or Facebook or Twitter or your favorite website. You will want to play a game or make a call or do another task. Notice these urges.

But don’t move. Notice the urges, but sit still, and let them pass. Urges build up in intensity, then pass, like a wave. Let each one pass.

Notice also your mind trying to justify not doing the task. Also let these self-rationalizing thoughts pass.

Now just take one small action to get started. As tiny a step as possible.

Get started, and the rest will flow.

Key to an Organized Pantry...

Whether there are many mouths to feed or just one, an abundance of food or not, most of us have something hiding in the back corner of the pantry that we have forgotten about. The key to avoiding that "Oh yeah!", or worse, is described below.


Group Like Items:
Organizing, in general, requires the grouping of like items. One main element of being able to find what you need when you need it is to store like items together. Having a central location for a category saves you time when meal or snack time comes around. Imagine a grocery store. Just as they divide and group isles, so too should your pantry be grouped. Now, soy sauce may be found with other sauces and condiments or it may be found in the Asian food section. There is no right or wrong way to sort your items. It is a matter of how your brain functions and where you, or the others who also use the space, would look first to find the item of choice. Remember not to over do it! When you get too specific with your sorting, the time it takes to organize, put away or retrieve can take longer therefore becoming frustrating and a possible "system failure."



A few general categories I have found to work well for most of my clients and a few examples of items that may fit into those categories are as follows:


Baked Goods: Flour, Sugar, Cake/Cookie Mixes, Syrups, Chocolate Chips and other items or ingredients primarily used to bake or make Desserts

Beverages: Water, Juice, Soda, Soy Milk, Liqueur, Mixes etc.

Breakfast Foods: Cereal, Oatmeal, Breakfast Bars/Drinks etc.

Candy & Cookies: Any other sweets or snacks may also be grouped successfully in this category.

Chips &Crackers: Self explanatory

Condiments: Including Sauces & Dressings



Fruits: Canned, Dried or Dehydrated (Exception may lie with Comstock type canned fruits as they are primarily used for Baked goods. Feel free to place where you best see fit, as with any item.)

Protein: Canned Meats, Beef Jerky etc.

Soups: Canned, Mixes & Ingredients

Spices: May also include Bread Crumbs, Bullion & Sweeteners

Starches: Pasta, Rice, Potato Mixes & Stuffings

Vegetables: Canned, Bottled or Dried



Overall, keep it simple... whatever will work for you and your family is the way to go.

Dividers either shelves, bins or boxes can help delineate given spaces.

Clear containers give the added benefit of allowing you to see what you have, so you know when an items is low and restocking is needed as well as making it easier to find and put things away. Isn't that the goal?

Make sure to give the entire family a tour and explain to them the benefits of an organized pantry and how they can help keep it that way.

Remember, maintenance is crucial but it's never too late to straighten up, even if you don't have time for an overhaul.

Camping Gets Organized…

This past weekend I went camping with my family in the Sequoia National Forest. There are so many places to go and so many things to do. All it takes is a little organization and a little planning.

First things first. Plan the trip. Take a brief survey of your friends and family who will be participating in the trip. Identify a good date and the types of accommodations required. Different areas identify types of campgrounds differently but be sure to look for different features you may be interested in, no running water vs. running water… no toilets, pit toilets or flush toilets… showers to full hookups for RVs & trailers. Be sure to ask or look to see if picnic tables, fire pits or trashcans are provided and if pets or fires are permitted. Some campsites are first-come, first-served while others require reservations, sometimes months in advance. Reserve America is a great website where you can search and reserve state, federal and private campsites. Also check what local attractions and activities are available in the nearby area once you have decided on a location.

Now that you have the where and when figured out, it’s time to prep for the trip. Whether we realize it or not, many trips, vacations and even our everyday lives, revolve around meals. It is time to plan the menu. Be sure to take food durability, weight, size and spoilage into consideration and do your best to share ingredients from one meal to another. After all, we do have to bring everything with us. While some enjoy the simple can of chilly, bologna sandwich or freeze dried meals also known as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), my family and friends all enjoy cooking. We take a more semi-gourmet approach (Just remember that with more cooking comes more clean up). For example, we premade chilly, grilled carne asada and veggies for tacos and made awesome lemon caper chicken foil dinners. For other great camping recipes visit http://camprecipes.com/recipes . It is also important to identify if everyone will be providing for themselves, if each camper/couple/family will be taking responsibility for different meals or if it will be more of a team effort with shared involvement and costs. Once cooking strategies and menus have been identified, make sure to plan the responsibility of grocery and supply shopping, storage and transportation as well.

Lets get packing! There are many different kinds of camping and different supplies for each. Here http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/checklists.htm you can see a general list for supplies including shelter, bedding, cooking, clothes, personal, miscellaneous and first aid. It is so nice to have everything organized and ready to go when your camping trip comes around. A designated section of garage or attic makes a perfect place to keep the bulky items as well as your box “camp kitchen”. While some items are specially designed for camping and may need to be purchased, many items in your camp kitchen can be items you have upgraded from, hand me downs, clearance store items or garage sale finds. Having these items ready to go and not having to pack everything but the kitchen sink when it’s camping time makes the task that much easier. I tend to use several large, sturdy, clear plastic storage bins with secure lids as well as various sized zip tight bags to keep our supplies sorted and easily accessible. There are many different products available to keep your camping gear organized both at camp and all stored up. Make sure to check the weather about a week out as well as a few days before departure making sure you have planned and packed accordingly.

Lastly, safe travels. Make sure you ask the Rangers, Hosts and locals at cafes and markets about any “must sees” in the area, they always have great tips. Have fun!

Be organized… Enjoy life…

These are a few of my favorite things...



Bug spray was one of our main necessities while out in the woods. In the past we have used products containing Deet (Cutter, Off, Repel) and they seem to work pretty well. Next time we head out to hang with the bugs I plan on trying one of the alternative natural products with herbal repellents or making our own using a variety of essential oils (effective types depend on the bugs in your area) mixed with witch hazel in a spray bottle.


Baby wipes are a Godsend! These fabulous sheets of cloth are the next best thing to soap and water (especially when that isn't an option.) We even bought in bulk, designating a package for every tent and a few community packs too.


What says camping more than s'mores and roasted marshmallows? Sometimes that spot near the coals to get that perfect melted and golden brown consistency on the marshmallows can get a bit toasty for us campers too. This handy dandy extend-able roasting fork is the perfect tool for the job. Bring on the chocolate and graham crackers!

Genius Tip: For an impromptu lantern just place a flashlight (ideally small and LED) on top of a water jug (2.5 gallon works well) to illuminate the area around a tent or workspace. Make sure the flashlight doesn't get too warm as it could melt the plastic. (My brother came up with this one :))