source: shutterstock

Ever since I started on my own journey towards simplicity 6 years ago, I have enjoyed reading the success stories of others on a similar journey.  That was the case when I recently read the e-book by Lorilee Lipincott, titled 3-2-1 Stop ~ Stop Running and Start Living.  As you know this is a topic near and dear to my heart and Lorilee’s journey is very similar to mine except of course for the parts where she downsized her family of four into a small apartment and is working on traveling the world :)

I was so impressed with Lorilee’s book that I couldn’t wait to tell you about it.  Whether you are just starting to think about simplifying your life or well on your travels with it, this book is for you.  I love reading her passion come through loud and clear in the pages as she shares what made her want to get off the fast track and consider a way of life that is far from society’s standards.  It is possible and can be done.  I am proof of that and so is Lorilee.  I don’t have any doubt that you’ll be inspired and challenged all at the same time and ready to delve into making some lasting changes for you and your family that don’t involve chaos and clutter.  Doesn’t that sound awesome?

Lorilee’s book is 96 pages of sage advice, without preaching or judgement, centered around the topic of simplifying your stuff, space and self.  It is written from a Christian perspective but is still relevant and practical for those that aren’t Christians.

3-2-1 Stop is a how-to memoir of learning to love simple living. Lorilee uses personal stories, as well as tips learned along the way, showing how to create a life that makes space for what is most important. Embracing minimalism, she tackles and teaches how to make the hard decisions of simplify the home as well as the schedule. She understands that a full life, really doesn’t need to be that ‘full’ at all. Beyond that, Lorilee addresses the hidden emotional hoarding that keeps our souls running.

I love how Lorilee shares how her journey is not over yet.  Here is an excerpt from her book:

“Minimalizing stuff is a continual process. This surprised me. Last spring, we went through all our stuff in painful detail so we could move to our apartment. I thought that after we went through it once most of the work would be done. But I discovered, more and more stuff that I originally thought was necessary, I now wanted to get rid of. Several more times in the last few months, I’ve gone through our stuff and found more that we could trash, donate, and sell.”

You see, it doesn’t have to happen all at once.  It’s baby steps, one day at a time, one pile at a time!

Today Lorilee has kindly offered to giveaway THREE pdf copies of her e-book, 3-2-1 Stop.  To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this post, prior to Tuesday, May 8th at 4:00 pm PST telling me what area of your life you’d like to simplify the most.  Open to everyone and winners will be selected at random from the comments left.

Good luck everyone!

*this post contain affiliate links.

3-2-1 Stop: Stop Running and Start Living + Giveaway! is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Clever Container is such a fun company….home parties for organizing stuff galore!  I can’t wait until they come to Canada because what could be better than an organizing party!!  Erin, a consultant for the company, recently sent me one of Clever Container’s new exclusive products to try out.  It’s called the Stuff It and as soon as I opened the box, my daughter called it for herself.  She thought it would be perfect for her makeup and accessories.  I took some pictures of it in action for you to check it out.

This caddy is easy to wipe clean and has all sorts of slots inside and out to help you organize various items.  It also folds flat for storage.  The measurements of it are 9″ x 5″ x 6″.   It comes in both this fun green color and a leopard print as well and sells for $16.95.

It’s so great for organizing makeup but would also make a great art caddy as well.  My daughter is loving it and I’m loving that everything isn’t scattered all over her desk :)

Giveaway:

Today Erin is giving away to one lucky reader a $50.00 gift card to Clever Container so you’ll be able to choose whichever fabulous organizing products you want!  To enter simply leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday, May 1st at 4:00 pm PST.  Winner will be chosen at random from the comments left.

You can also find Erin at the following locations:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Good luck everyone!

Clever Container Giveaway! is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Today I’d like to introduce you to a Canadian label company called Oliver’s Labels that makes all sorts of labels for kids and households.  I had a chance to test their Date Labels recently and was really pleased with the quality of them.  These Date Labels are designed to be fridge/freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe and are reusable. They are made from a high performance vinyl with super-strong adhesive.  Each set of labels come with a wax pencil to write on the surface.  To remove the writing simply use a damp cloth.

As you can see above you can order these labels with your child’s name on them if you wanted to use them for your child’s lunch kit or for marking baby food for the fridge or freezer.

I simply ordered mine without a name so I could use them as generic freezer labels over and over again.  Look how pretty! :)

There are actually many many different styles and colors to choose from.

Oliver’s Labels product line also includes photo labels, mini bag tags, safety wristbands, awesome room decals and much much more!

Giveaway:

Today I’ve got a set of Date Labels to giveaway PLUS the winner will also get to select either a set of Original Labels or Stick-eez Clothing Labels!!

Original Labels:

Stick-eez Clothing Labels:

To enter simply leave a comment on this post prior to Monday, April 16 at 6:00 pm PST.  Winner will be selected at random from the comments left.

Also find Oliver’s Labels on Facebook and Twitter.

Good luck!

Oliver’s Labels Giveaway! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Last week I talked about getting my once a year filing done.  And of course, what comes with filing is a big pile of shredding that needs to be done when you pull out the old information and replace it with the new.

Thankfully I had the opportunity to give the Mailmate M7 Cross-Cut Shredder from Staples a spin and was happy with the results.  It was quick and easy to use and it did the job right without clogging up on me.  I hate it when that happens, don’t you?  This particular shredder is designed to take up less counter space, but offers a larger bin capacity for shredding unwanted mail.

Here are a few more details about it:

• Can handle up to 12 full-size sheets of paper as well as unopened junk mail, CD’s & DVD’s and credit cards
• New easy-open container makes emptying shreds easy and mess-free
• New design features a cord that will fit flush against the wall and easy access power button
• Available for $89.99 on Staples.com or in Staples retail stores

Today’s giveaway includes both the Mailmate Shredder:

PLUS this pretty accordion file from the Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery line to help you organize anything from your financial information to your everyday action papers.

To win this awesome prize package all you need to do is simply leave a comment on this post prior to Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 4:00 pm PST.  As per my giveaway instructions this giveaway is only open to US residents though, sorry.

Good luck!

Staples Mailmate Shredder Giveaway! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Two giveaways in one week?  Why not!

So a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I’d gone out and purchased a bunch of stuff from the new Martha Stewart line of office products sold exclusively at Staples.  Martha created the line with Avery and I was very impressed with what I saw and bought and you know how picky I am!  I showed you how I used some of her fun labels here.  The products are smart, simple and functional.  I also thought they were very reasonably priced.

Well today I’ve got some great news.  I was asked if I would be interested in taking some other pieces of the collection for a test drive.  Umm, YES please!  That was a no-brainer.  So Avery put together a package of product for me and in addition they are going to giveaway the exact same package to one of you valued at $50.00!!  Whoot!

The package includes:

• Two magazines file holders
• Two packages of vertical file folders (6 in each package) – one black, the other shagreen
• Two packages of permanent file folder labels
• One package ultrahold sticky notes
• One package adhesive metal bookplates
• Three packages Avery see-through sticky notes

I’m a magazine holder addict.  I currently use them for not only magazines but storing envelopes, paper, boxes of labels, recipes, etc.  What makes Martha’s system so unique is that she has designed VERTICAL file folders to go inside so now the magazine holders can be used to stash files as well.  It really opens up the possibilities tremendously.  Products with multiple uses make me so very very happy!

To enter to win this giveaway you just need to leave a comment on this post prior to Monday, March 19th at 4:00 pm PST.  This one is only open to US residents as per my giveaway instructions, sorry!

For additional opportunities to win Martha Stewart Home Office products by Avery, you can:

1. Enter the giveaway happening on Avery’s Facebook page

2. Enter Avery’s Organization of Moms Facebook giveaway

Good luck!

Martha Stewart Home Office Supplies Giveaway (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

It’s no secret I love love love the Better Homes & Gardens special organizing publications that they put out a few times a year.  I always scoop them up as soon as I see them and clutch them to my chest like some crazy lady addicted to organizing.  Oh wait I am that crazy lady addicted to organizing!

I just can’t get enough of the colorful eye candy.  Which is odd considering my own home doesn’t have a lot of color in it but that’s more because I hate having to decide on paint colors.  It totally stresses me out.  We moved into this house a year and a half ago and have yet to paint a single wall.  It’s all beige except for the basement which the previous owners decided to paint a bright orange.  It sounds horrible but it’s really grown on me in a weird sort of way.  We finally bought paint to do our bedroom a couple of weeks ago and so hopefully we’ll get that done soon.  I decided on a beach theme after our trip to Florida last year.   I might never leave my room again when it’s all done :)

See how scatter brained I am, I totally haven’t told you the very best news about this particular 2012 issue of this amazing magazine.

I’M IN IT!!!!!!

I’m listed as one of their expert organizers (crazy!) at the beginning of the magazine and then tips from my book, Clutter Rehab, are scattered throughout.  I still can’t believe it.  It’s such an awesome honor.

So exciting!  I knew I was going to be in it months ago but until you actually see it for yourself you don’t really believe it’s actually going to happen.  Then it came out in the US a couple weeks before it arrived here in Canada…one of my advertisers emailed me a picture letting me know.  Then the search was on to find it here.  I finally found copies in an out of the way gas station on my way home from BlogWest of all places.  I’m sure the employees thought I was high on something the way I carried on when I saw it.

A peek at some of the “candy” inside:

Giveaway:

Anyway I of course picked up an extra copy to giveaway to one of YOU since none of this would have been possible if you didn’t come visit me here at my little home on the web.  So thank you, thank you!  PLUS I’m also going to throw in a copy of my book as well to the lucky winner so you can really get your organizing thing on!!!

Just leave a comment on this post, prior to Saturday, March 17th at 4:00 pm PST, telling me ONE thing you have trouble making a decision about (I can’t be the only one!).

Open to everyone!

BH&G Secrets of Getting Organized Giveaway! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

So I got my craft on this past weekend. Say what?  As you know I’m so not crafty, in fact I use to be a scrapbooker person just so I could organize all the supplies. So not kidding.  Anyway once I realized that all those supplies took up way more space than the time I ever spent with them I needed to rethink things and said bye bye to most of those supplies.

So when the makers of the MyMemories Scrapbook software asked me to review their product, I was like um no thank you.  Well actually I wasn’t even that polite, I may or may not have just deleted the email “by accident”.  Then one night I was blog surfing and stumbled across one site where the blog master was offering up a pretty free printable to her readers.  She’d made this printable using, you guessed it, the MyMemories software.  Well who knew you could do that?  Anybody that knows me knows I have a HUGE fascination with printables.  Love them!

Lucky for me, the owners of MyMemories emailed me again and I decided I would be brave enough to try it despite the fact that technology likes to mock me consistently and stick it’s tongue out at me for being so stupid for not understanding how it works.  This totally happens to me….time and time again.

So after downloading the software to my computer I started playing around.  I never read manuals or instructions, which could so be why I never understand what I’m doing but whatever.  Anyway after a few hiccups that might have involved a few grunts and groans, I did indeed figured it out and made a very awesome printable (if I do say so myself!) for anyone planning on participating in Org Junkie’s 29 Day Organizational Challenge starting tomorrow.  Check out this calendar I created, hola!

Download Feb Calendar here

So here is what I know.  Playing around creating this calendar was fun.  I really enjoyed myself and am pretty happy with the result.  The software itself only comes with basic backgrounds and embellishments but you have MANY options to purchase various kits and templates on their website.  In other words it could get as addictive and expensive as traditional scrapbooking (however no clutter which makes me very happy!).  Just something to keep in mind.  The embellishments I used to create my calendar I did purchase separately.  Will I make more printables?  Yes I definitely will!

If you are interested in checking out the MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking software for yourself, the company has given me a special code that will give you a $10 discount off the purchase of the MyMemories Suite software plus you also get a $10.00 coupon to use at the MyMemories.com store – a $20.00 value!  The code is STMMMS32191 (copy and paste it to make it easier)

Giveaway:

I also have a copy of the software to giveaway as well.  If you would like the chance to win the MyMemories Suite software simply leave a comment on this post, prior to Monday, February 6th at 6:00 pm PST, telling me whether or not you’ve ever ventured into digital scrapbooking before.

For more info on MyMemories and to be informed of future giveaways you can also follow them here:

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Good luck everyone!

MyMemories Software Giveaway + free calendar printable! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Today’s giveaway is for a Travel Jewelry Case from Clos-ette Too.

Features of this travel jewelry case include:

• It is discreet in its packaging; only you will know what valuables you have stowed.
• The snap-on individual pages are ideal for traveling light. Insert additional pages when you need extra jewelry storage.
• All pages fit into 8.5”x11” drawers for storage outside the case.
• Delicate faux-suede interior pages are divided into 2×2 and 4×4 pockets ideal for all types of jewelry.
• The case also features a ring holder and an earring holder.
• Each page is covered in plastic with an individual zipper for careful handling.
• Each page attaches and detaches to its sister pages for keeping things together.
• Three page inserts are included in your purchase.
• Each page has different combinations on it so that you can carry a complete jewelry wardrobe in your case if needed.

Winner will have their choice of selecting either an orange or green case.

To enter this giveaway for a Clos-ette Too Travel Jewelry Case simply leave a comment on this post prior to Monday, January 23, 2012 at 6:00 pm PST.  Winner will be selected at random.  Open to US residents only.

For more information about Clos-ette Too and their other organizational products you can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Please note that this is not a review as I have not personally used this product myself.

Travel Jewelry Case Giveaway (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this time of year and all the attention that organization gets.  Everywhere you look people are talking about it, blogs are fired up about it, stores are featuring bins and baskets galore and of course every magazine has something about organizing on it’s cover.

I live in a pretty small town in Alberta, Canada that has a population of about 9000 people.  The closest we have to a store carrying organizing supplies is Wal-mart but after seeing Jen’s post yesterday, Wal-mart doesn’t even come close to the organizing bliss that Target carries, wah.  Although I guess that may be a blessing for my bank account because I could be in trouble otherwise!  Jen showed much more restraint than I ever could I’ll tell you that much.

Hello, my name is Laura and I’m addicted to organizing.

So how do I get my must have organizing fix you ask?  Magazines!  Magazines with oodles of pictures for me to drool over.  I’ve got my hands on three right now that are just scrumptious (not in an eating way though, I don’t eat my magazines, that would be weird but I do drool all over them just like I would if I really were eating something scrumptious).

This first one came in the mail.  Remember a little while ago I told you about a brand new organizing magazine on the market called Getting Organized Magazine?  Well my first issue finally arrived just yesterday, whoot!  It’s only 38 pages long but I’m sure it will grow as they get going.  Love their tag line:  treat yourself to some sanity.  Why thank you, don’t mind if I do :)

You can find out more about this magazine by clicking the button below and when you subscribe you get a FREE ebook as well!

Then while at the drug store the newest edition of Storage (Spring 2012) hit the racks so of course it found it’s way into my basket.

Then while there my eye caught the word organize again, this time on another magazine.  I had to take it home, I can’t help myself!

This particular picture inside caught my eye because of the happy face mugs in the top corner.  Ahhhh

I got all excited about it because guess who got a happy face mug for Christmas?  Me!  My daughter knows that next to organizing I am crazy about happy faces so she bought it for me.  What does that have to do with organizing?  Not much, I’m just a strange cat and the littlest things amuse me :)

Giveaway Time:

So I didn’t forget about you my lovely readers.  You know I always pick up an extra Storage magazine when I see it to giveaway. And in honor of January and the organizing bliss all around I thought I’d throw in a copy of my book, Clutter Rehab, too.  So one person will win both.  To enter just leave a comment on this post telling me what your #1 spot to organize this month in your home is.  Just a reminder though that if you’ve got a room that needs a whole lot of TLC don’t forget to take before pictures before you get started.  You’ll be able to use it for my 29 Day Organizational Challenge coming in February.  Yay!

Comments must be left by Saturday, January 14th at 2:00 pm PST to be eligible.  Winner chosen at random.

See ya!

Storage and Organizing Magazines – Oh My! + giveaway! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

It’s a proven fact that, every single year, getting organized makes the list of Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions.

So at the start of every January, millions of people around the world resolve that this year is the year that they will finally get organized. But by the end of every January, many of those same people have already given up all hope of ever reaching their organizing goals.

This may even sound like a New Year’s Resolution in your own life! If it does, you are not alone.

In fact, it’s fairly common that…

You do a lot, but at the end of the day, you never feel like you’ve gotten anything done.

You try to balance work and home, but when you get caught up with one, the other falls short.

You keep things tidy on the outside, but end up hiding clutter behind doors and inside of drawers.

You try to organize, but the kids come right behind you to mess things up.

You feel frustrated because you seem to be doing everything while your family relaxes or doesn’t seem to care.

You have so much “stuff” in your home, that there is little room left for “people.”

You try to set up organizing systems, but have little to no energy after work and family responsibilities to actually implement them.

You want to catch up with friends and neighbors, but you would rather ask people to meet at a restaurant than to meet in your home because it’s too cluttery.

You spend so much time doing for others that you have zero time left to spend on you.

If you can relate to any of the above points then today’s giveaway is for you!  Professional Organizer, Carmen Coker has created a program called the 21-Day Clutter Cleanse that begins next week on January 10th and is designed to help you find the root cause behind your clutter issues.  And it goes well beyond the clutter in your space to tackle clutter from a whole-person perspective, so that you can FINALLY CONQUER CLUTTER FOR GOOD!

This cleanse includes the following:

A professionally-packaged spiral-bound “Daily Guidance Journal,” consisting of a short, enlightening read for each day that will help you discover a whole, new organized world! New for 2012!

A pack of 21 “Daily Guidance Cards” to inspire you to new heights, motivate you when you need a gentle push, or remind you to follow your dreams.

A beautiful organza draw-string bag to organize your “Daily Guidance Cards” and keep them safe.

A “Daily Guidance Audio Recording” to accompany the journal entry for each day, so that you can listen on-the-go or when your schedule suits.

An all-inclusive disc with the complete set of audios so you can neatly store and easily access the materials in your personal library forever!

A  specially-made DVD pocket to protect and store your disc.

Plus these bonuses:

An 11″ x 17″ full-color “My *Best* Life Blueprint” poster ($17 value), outlining your new step-by-step plan to transform your life from clutter-filled to CLUTTER-FREE – fast! New for 2012!

A “Clutter Cleanse VIP Backstage Pass” ($97 value) giving you full access to an exclusive email address to ask me any organizing question(s) you have – without the VIP price tag. New for 2012!

Not one, but TWO 30-minute “Maximize Your Cleanse” Q & A teleconference calls ($147 value) where I will personally answer your question(s), providing you invaluable insights and personalized solutions to your “clutter situation.” New for 2012!

Each morning of the 21-day period, you will receive your “Daily Guidance Journal” entry and “Daily Guidance Audio Recording” via email in digital form. Carmen will be there with you, step-by-step, along the way! After the 21 days complete, you will receive your physical product in its entirety.

More detailed information about this 21-Day Clutter Cleanse can be found here.

Also Carmen offers a FREE clutter cleanse video series available to everyone and you can sign up for that here if interested.

Giveaway:

To enter to win a seat in this 21-Day Clutter Cleanse program simply leave a comment on this post, prior to Friday, January 6th at 2:00 pm PST, telling me how getting organized in 2012 will help you live a better life?  Giveaway open to everyone and winner will be selected at random.

Good luck everyone!

21-Day Clutter Cleanse Giveaway! (closed) is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie