If you’re anything like me, your furry friends have taken over not just your heart but your home too. Between the food, leashes, toys, and endless poop bags or litter, it can sometimes feel like our pets’ stuff is everywhere. Here are some practical ways to get all that pet gear organized. Trust me, a little bit of organization can go a long way in making life with our pets less of a challenge and more enjoyable.

The Food Station

First things first—let’s tackle the food situation. If you’ve got bags of kibble lying around or cans of wet food stacked precariously in the pantry, it’s time for a food station makeover. Here’s what you can do:

Sealable Containers: Invest in some airtight containers. They keep the food fresh and keep pests away. Having a clear container can also allow you to see how much you have left easily. Plus, they stack neatly! 

Food Scoop: Keep a dedicated scoop inside the container to make feeding time quick and easy. No more fumbling with measuring cups.

Canned Food: Choose a cabinet or pantry shelf and stack these together. Do not mix in with other canned goods - these should have their own area. Invest in some can toppers so the food not used will keep until it’s needed.

Treats: Put all treats into a bin and keep on a shelf that is easily accessible for you - but not for your pet. This keeps the treat bags from falling over and looking messy. It is also an easy way to select the kind you want by pulling out the bin instead of rummaging through a bunch of bags.

Always keep a waterproof mat under your food and water bowls. Even if your pet is a neat eater, the water bowl can often spill and it will save your floors from damage.

If you have a busy household, mark on the food container (or post somewhere nearby so it’s easy to) how much food to give and when. You never know when someone who might normally feed your pet needs to.

Medications and Health Supplies

Pet medications and health supplies need to be stored safely and accessibly. Here’s how to manage that:

Labelled Containers: Use small, labelled containers or zippered pouches for different types of medications. You can have one for flea and tick treatments, another for regular meds, and maybe a first-aid kit just for your pet. 

​High Shelf or Cabinet: Store these items on a high shelf or upper cabinet so your pet can’t get to them. 

Toys, Toys, and More Toys

If your home looks like a toy store exploded, it’s time to corral those toys:

Toy Bin: A large basket or bin is perfect for stashing toys. Make sure it’s accessible to your pet so they can grab and go as they please. Weed through from time to time discarding any toys that have been ‘over loved’ or those that may create a choking hazard.

​Rotation System: To keep things interesting, rotate toys in and out of the bin every few weeks. This way, the bin does not get overstuffed and old toys feel new again!

Poop Bags & Litter
Let’s be real—poop bags are a necessity. Here’s how to keep them handy:

Bag Dispensers: Keep a roll of poop bags in dispensers attached to each leash. This way, you’re never caught without one when nature calls.

Designated Spot: Have a spot near the door or in your car where you always keep extra rolls. Running out is not an option!

Litter: Keep litter close to the littler box along with a small trash bag, scoop and sweeper so you can easily clean up the mess without having to gather what you need. It’s all there!

Grooming Supplies
Grooming is a big part of pet care, and keeping the supplies organized is a must:

Grooming Caddy: A small caddy or tote can hold brushes, nail clippers, shampoo, and other grooming supplies. Grab it and you’re all set for grooming sessions.

Under-Sink Storage: If you have space under your kitchen or bath sink, this can be  great place to store your grooming caddy, keeping it out of sight but easily accessible

Vet records

Adoptions papers, vaccination details and vet records can be kept in a folder with your regular household files so it’s easy to find. Some vets send the info electronically so you can keep those records on your computer in a designed folder.

Ideally you want to store the pet supplies in the same area, but not all homes allow for that. Do your best to keep the supplies near the activity (food by food bowls, leashes by door). A laundry room or mud room is a good place for many of the items, as is a dedicated kitchen cabinet or shelf in a pantry. 
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Taking some time to organize your pet’s stuff, not only makes your life easier, but it also makes your home a more pleasant place for both you and your pet. 

We all have the same amount of time. How the time gets used varies from person to person. If you feel overwhelmed with all you have to do, or are struggling to find a system that works for you, one of the time management methods below may help.
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Making time to schedule out your tasks and appointments will always save time later. It’s important to have a system you will use and that works with your needs. And one rule of thumb - if you don’t schedule time for something - it won’t get done - and this includes fun!

​The method you try depends on what you need. 
Do you have trouble prioritizing what needs to get done first? 
Do you spend a lot of time figuring out what to do next? 
Do you need to get a task done, but don’t think you have the time, or get distracted? 

3 Popular methods are:
The Eisenhower Matrix
Time Blocking
Pomodoro Technique

The Eisenhower Matrix
This is great for people who need help prioritizing. When you have lots to do, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. The method will help. Every task or activity gets put into a grid with 4 quadrants. 

Urgent means the task needs your immediate attention - these tend to generate stress
Important means the task is important to your long term goals.


Quadrant 1: Get it Done - for things that are Important and Urgent
These are things that need to be done right away, in the form of a crisis or deadline. 

Quadrant 2: Schedule - for things that are Important but NOT Urgent
These are tasks or activities that are important to your goals, but can be scheduled into your day or week. They are things like exercise, calling a friend, posting to a blog  

Quadrant 3: Delegate/Avoid - for things that are NOT Important, but Urgent
Think interruptions from others, phone calls, texts - things that require our attentions, but in no way help us with our goals. Learn to say no, these can be huge time sucks.

Quadrant 4: Do later / Delete - is for things that are NOT Important and NOT Urgent
These are the kind of things that can derail large chunks of time. You don’t need to cross them off the list but they happen only after Q1 and Q2 are done - think checking social media or web surfing.

​Once your grid is filled out, all the thing you need to do first are in Quadrant 1 and everything in Quadrant to can be put into your schedule for a later time.

Time Blocking
This method helps you be more productive by blocking out chunks of time each day for a specific activity or project. It takes all your to-do’s and breaks them down into manageable tasks that get scheduled into your week. This allows you to focus on what you are doing and then move to the next task without having to expend energy figuring out what to do.
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With this approach, you schedule blocks of time through your entire day, so there will be blocks of time set aside for exercise, meals, breaks etc. Take all your lists and spend some time planning out your week, allotting time for each item. You are now set up to be productive!

An example of one weekday:

6am-7am         Wake up, have coffee, journal
7am-9am           Shower, dress, check email, drive to work
9am-11am         Work on “X” project
11am-12pm         Check in with team
12pm-1pm         Lunch
1pm-2:30pm         Work on “K” project
2:30pm-2:45pm     Break - walk around
2:45pm-3:45pm     Make and return phone calls
3:45pm-4:30pm     Meeting with design team
4:30pm-5:30pm     Update project schedule, prep for tomorrows staff mtg
5:30pm-6pm         Leave work and head home
6pm-7pm         Exercise
7pm-7:30pm         Dinner
7:30pm-9pm         Clean up kitchen, watch TV or read, shower and bed

Pomodoro Technique
​The Pomodoro Technique is geared to help get tasks done by working in set increments of time. If you need to write an article or study for an exam, you set a timer for 25 minutes, shutting out all distractions and focus on the task until the timer goes off. When it does, you can take a 2-3 minute break to get up and walk around. Then, reset the timer and get back to work. You can do this as often as you like, extending the break between work sessions. 

Having the timer helps you because it puts an end to the task as opposed to open-ended time where you may choose to distract yourself with emails or become over focused, spending too much time on something and leaving something else undone. You are only committing to a small chunk of time. We often miscalculate how long a task will take to do. An advantage of this method is that is it will tell you how much you can do in 25 minutes, so the next time you need to do a similar task, you will have a better estimate for how long it will take to complete.

The suggestion is to start with 25 minutes, but you can set the timer for less or more time, depending on how it works for you. This is great for co-working sessions because everyone is working on their project during the 25 minutes, then you have people to connect with during the breaks.

The method you use depends on the types of activities that need to be done and your personal style. I like that there are so many tools to help get things done. With all of life’s distractions, having a system can make a big difference in what you accomplish and likely leave you more time to play:)

Keeping track of information can be a challenge. We get things in the mail, through email, via text message and then there are those notes we jot down on the back of an envelope or scrap of paper. 

What do you do with all those misc scraps of paper with notes on them? Many can be tossed because they were connected to an event that has passed or because you no longer remember what the note was about 😜 . But then there’s the GP your sister recommended, or the movie your friend said was really good, or the book that someone from work described as a game changer.

I’d recommend setting up those categories in your contacts app. 


1.  To keep track of movies you want to see (including where to watch them) create a contact for MOVIES and start your list in the notes section. Do the same for BOOKS you want to read or PARKS you want to visit.

2. To track your memberships and subscriptions - create a contact with the membership name and put your membership number and expiration date in the notes section. This includes your library card, TSA pre-check number, health insurance member number, AAA  etc.

3. For doctor referrals, create a contact with the doctors name. Put their specialty AND who recommended them in your notes. It will be easier to find later.

4. For any new contact you add - write in the notes how you know them, or who they are connected to. This works better than trusting your memory.

5. Track family members of friends and relatives by adding the children’s names and birthdates in the notes section of the person’s contact. Again, this is something you are likely forget. The contact gets updated whenever there is a new baby, marriage etc. I also include dogs names 🐶 .


Remembering names is not one of my strengths and this makes searching for the info you want really easy. If you don’t remember the doctors name, but you know who the recommendation came from, search that name. Or you can search by specialty. 

The iPhone contacts app includes fields for birthdays and anniversary’s, which is helpful because it will automatically put those on the iCal. 

Not being able to find the information you need can be so frustrating! Taking just a few seconds to add information to your contacts will save you so much time and energy - and makes everything searchable. 

It’s pretty hot here in the DC metro area. Add in the humidity and it can feel like you are walking into a sauna when you head out the door.

This time of year it’s best to keep the organizing indoors. Gone are the days of working in garages, attics and outdoor storage units in the middle of summer. 

Motivation changes with seasons and it can be hard to jump into organizing projects during the summer. Many people plan trips and there tend to be more gatherings with friends and family. 

Yet, the days are longer so it feels like we should get more done.

The summer can take on a less formal organizing style. Maybe there is something that's been annoying you that you have not had time to take care of - well, now is the time. Have you been meaning to get something to help organize a particular area of your home? July is all about little wins - what I like to call ankle biters - those annoying things that you need to do, but keep putting off.

Does the hose need a place to hang instead of being piled up on the ground?

Do you need to get a hook to hang the wind chimes outside or picture that’s been leaning against the wall?

Are you ready to finally get a container for the batteries instead of having them thrown in the junk drawer? 

Has the trunk of your car collected too many shopping bags and other misc items? 

There are always things to do to stay organized, and sometimes it’s the smaller ones that make the biggest difference.

Having your finances in order and organized helps with peace of mind. I am not a financial advisor or planner, but knowing what you are spending and having your paperwork sorted can be empowering.

In my experience the difficulty is 2-fold.

One - people are not always sure where their money is going
Two - people struggle keeping the paperwork organized (or digital statements) 

Best practices stay on top of your finances and remove some of the doubt and fear around money:

1. Balance your bank accounts every month. Review your statements and make sure there are no additional debits you did not authorize or added fees you are paying that you can avoid by maintaining a balance or moving your money to an account that doesn’t charge fees.

2. Look at your credit card bills. I don't just mean the balance - look at every charge. You may be surprised that you are paying for something you no longer want or the cost of a subscription has increased past what you want to pay. There may be added finance charges that you didn’t know about.

3. Keep an eye on your utility bills and service charges to ensure they are consistent and accurate. If you notice a sudden increase, investigate the reason and negotiate better rates if possible.

3. Review your other financial/investment statements each month - or at least quartlerly. It’s a good idea to pick a date every year to re-evaluate your investments to be sure they are working for you. Maybe you need to make some adjustments and move things around to get a better rate of return.

4. Keep files (or folders on your computer) for each account so you have a place for statements and can easily find them when needed. 

You may feel like a small amount of money for a subscription is not a big deal - but those small amounts add up and can be saved or put toward something you do want.

Being on top of your spending can be empowering and lead to more savings. It’s always good to hold up your spending to your values. Is the money going toward things you truly value, or is it just being spent without thought to where it is going. 

If this is an area you want to know more about, I encourage you to check out the  Female Finance Collective Podcast. 

The Female Finance Collective is also a wonderful online community with workshops, Q&A’s and general discussions about finances. Visit them here.

Donating your unwanted items:
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As you continue decluttering your home, take time to consider the best destination for items you no longer need or want. Finding a new purpose for these belongings not only declutters your space but can also benefits others in need.

It is easier to give things away that are going to a ‘good home’, which means the item will be used and appreciated. If you don’t have a favorite charity, do an internet search for places in your area. Some charities specialize in specific items like bicycles, eyeglasses, or furniture, while others accept a wide range of items.

Match your items to the charities that will make the best use of them. For example, children's toys and books could go to organizations that support kids in need, while kitchenware might be better suited for a homeless shelter or community kitchen.

Consider using online platforms like Freecycle, NextDoor, or Facebook Marketplace to give away items directly to individuals who need them. This can be especially useful for unique or specialized items that may not fit traditional donation criteria.

If you have a lot to donate, it’s helpful to contact a charity organization that picks up. Am Vets, Lupus Foundation and Purple Heart all do picks ups. You can call, or go online, and select a date for them to come.

Don't forget about your local animal shelters when donating items like towels, sheets, blankets, and pet supplies. These organizations often rely on donations to care for animals awaiting adoption.

New or gently used toiletries can find new homes at local homeless shelters, where they are greatly appreciated by individuals in need of essential hygiene items.

For clothes that aren't in suitable condition for donation, consider textile recycling programs. Companies like For Days fordays.com and ReTold retoldrecycling.com offer convenient options for recycling old clothing and textiles to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

There are so many places that will take your unwanted items. I have put together a whole list of places on my Resource Page including local and national charities.

Your donations can have a positive impact on both individuals in need and the environment.

Exploring Reselling Opportunities:

Reselling items you no longer want is another viable option, particularly for individuals who have the time, space, and energy to devote to the process. However, it's important to recognize that reselling requires patience and effort, and it's unlikely that you'll recoup the full value of your items.

Reselling items involves tasks such as taking photographs, measuring dimensions, creating listings, and communicating with potential buyers. It can be time-consuming and may require regular attention to maintain listings and respond to inquiries.

Keep in mind that the value of an item is ultimately determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. Setting realistic expectations about pricing and understanding that you may not receive the amount you originally paid for the item is key to a successful reselling experience.

Choose the right platform for selling your items based on their condition, type, and target audience. Online platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist are popular options for selling locally or reaching a wider audience.

Certain items, such as antiques or collectibles, may have greater value and appeal to specific audiences. If you have unique or valuable items, consider seeking out specialized groups or organizations knowledgeable about those items. Online forums, social media groups, and local associations dedicated to specific types of collectibles can provide valuable insights and assistance in determining the value of your items. They may even offer to purchase items directly or point you to an action where you can reach the best audience.

Whether it's antique toys, vintage clothing, or rare memorabilia, there are collectors and enthusiasts for nearly every niche. Networking with these communities can lead to successful sales and ensure that your items find appreciative new homes.

Whether you opt to donate, recycle, or resell, the most important thing is finding the right path for you and your unwanted items. 

As the sun shines brighter and flowers bloom, it's the perfect time to embrace the spirit of renewal and declutter our lives.

 1. Embrace the Power of Decluttering

Spring cleaning isn't just about scrubbing floors; it's about clearing out the cobwebs in our physical and mental spaces. Look around and ask yourself if you love each item in your space. If not, it's time to bid it farewell.

2. Create a Plan

The thought of tackling an entire home can feel overwhelming. Break it down into manageable tasks. Start with one room at a time, focusing on decluttering, dusting, and organizing before moving on to the next.

3. Refresh Your Spaces

With winter behind us (mostly), it's time to pack away those heavy blankets and coats and bring out the lighter clothes and brighter colors. Give your home a lift by swapping out winter decor for spring-inspired accents. This could be using different placemats, switching your welcome mat or wreath on your door.

4. Organize with Purpose

Don't just tidy up for the sake of appearances; strive for functional organization that enhances your daily life. Invest in storage solutions that make sense for your space, whether it's clear bins for easy visibility or drawer dividers to keep things separate.

5. Don't Forget Digital Spaces

While we often focus on physical clutter, our digital spaces can also benefit from a spring cleaning. Take some time to declutter your inbox, organize your digital files, and unsubscribe from mailing lists that send things you no longer want.

6. Celebrate Your Progress

Finally, take a moment to celebrate how far you've come. Whether you've cleared out a cluttered closet or finally tackled that overflowing junk drawer, every small victory deserves recognition. Treat yourself to something special as a reward for your hard work.

​Remember, spring cleaning isn't just about creating a tidy home; it's about cultivating a sense of calm and clarity in your living spaces. Let's welcome the season of renewal with open arms.

The Art of book organization

Organizing your bookshelves can feel overwhelming. Before you begin, take a few minutes to decide what system would work best for you that would be both inviting to look at and user friendly. Some options:


By Genre - A classic approach. Group your books by genre to easily locate your next thrilling mystery or heartwarming romance. It's a
practical system for the no-nonsense reader. 

​Alphabetically - For those who prefer a more systematic approach, sorting books alphabetically by author is a fail-proof method. A quick reference system for the serious bookworm.

By Color - Want to add a visual pop to your shelf? Organize your books by color for a stylish display. Hopefully you have a good visual memory, otherwise be ready to play detective when searching for a specific title.

Height Order - Maintain a clean aesthetic by arranging books by height. It's a straightforward method that gives your shelves a polished look.

Random yet Practical - Sometimes a bit of controlled chaos works. Mix different genres, sizes, and orientations for a more eclectic, lived-in feel.

My bookshelves are sorted by genre. I could never do alphabetical because I’m not good at remembering names, but can see how each option has its appeal.

What is your first choice? 

I love books. Actual books. 

I know a kindle can hold lots of books and take up very little space, but I prefer the feel of a book (and the ease of flipping back to find a name or detail I forgot).

When my bookshelves start looking cluttered, and books are competing for space or ending up in a stack on the floor, it’s time to reassess and start a donation pile.

If you are a book lover, here are 4 ideas for taming your collection:

1. Read or release - If you've been holding onto a book for years without reading it, it might be time to pass it along. Consider it a literary act of kindness. 

2. Category clear-out - maybe there is a type of book, like recipe books or novels, that are easier to part with. It is easier for me to get rid of a novel than many of the non-fiction books I have.

3. Gift - some books you have may be a great gift for someone else. Put a post it on the book with the persons name and put the book in your gift bin.

4. Sell - there are many options for selling your books online - you can do a search to get an estimate on what your books titles may be selling for and decide if that’s the way to go. 

Once you are done and have your final keep pile, you can ‘re-stock’ the shelves. See post with suggestions on how to organize your bookshelves!

I started using my essential oils again recently. I have a small diffuser in my office and adding just a few drops of oil makes a huge difference. My new favorite is Geranium. It’s more flowery than I usually go for, but just a little bit brightens a room.

I am actually not a scent person - meaning perfumes and chemical smells give me headaches, but using a pure essential oil is very different and does not cause me any adverse reaction.

There are so many options - from single source oils to mixed oils that target particular areas. Some are better for cleansing, others help with colds and respiratory issues - the uses are endless. 

I purchased a book about essential oils to help me better understand them. It arrived and is a HUGE book, but is easy to navigate because it is set up more like a reference book. It is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

The sense of smell is one of the strongest triggers to memory, so it impacts us on a deep level. Finding a candle or essential oil that makes you happy or brings up a positive memory can have a wonderful impact on any space.