a classic and simplified wardrobe: getting organized.

On to the second step of my journey to a simpler, more classic wardrobe: getting organized. I went through everything in my closet again, purging a few more items, and quite a few pairs of shoes. I also did something really silly but REALLY helpful. I labeled five hangers, one for each day of the week, and planned out my outfits for the week on Sunday afternoon. I ironed each outfit, hung it on the appropriate hanger, and then put the hangers back in my closet in day order.

 It's amazing how this simple step helped me throughout the week. I didn't have those what am I going to wear stresses each morning, and I thought about my clothes much less throughout the week. I even ended up keeping my closet/floor much cleaner throughout the week. I also decided to hang all of my scarves rather than having them folded on the floor (remember, no dressers here).

The lesson for me here is that there is magic in planning. When it comes meals, finances, or my schedule, planning definitely helps to remove distractions of junk food, excessive spending, and wasting time, so why would my clothes be any different? Planning here keeps my focus on what the day will bring rather than what I'm wearing.

Step two is complete: the closet is organized, with hanger labels to show for it.

xoxo.

better one handful.

This verse hit me hard. So did this message (watch it).

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiasted 4:6

So I did a couple of things. Or should I say, I got rid of a couple of things. 50 things. In less than an hour. I'm not trying to boast here, but anyone who knows me well knows that getting rid of things has never been my strength.

 The pile includes dresses, jeans, blouses, t-shirts (T-SHIRTS, so many t-shirts!) we never wear, cross country racing shoes (I finally came to the realization that I won't be doing any cross country races any time soon), old cords, a broken camera, and the true hero of the hour: 

This guy. My very first phone. My brother and I "shared" it when I was in high school (I know, who shares cell phones, right? What that basically meant was I had the phone for the few minutes it took to call my parents and tell them I was done with basketball practice, and he had it the rest of the time), and would you believe that I actually had this phone through my sophomore year of college? Yes, this baby was still around in 2008. But yesterday, we finally parted ways. 

And after that, I finally organized our file box. This was on my 12x2012 list, and even though I was a few weeks late, I'm glad I got it done. I got rid of piles of papers we didn't need, organized the ones we do need, and fit it all into the box, which was the goal.

My mom shared this Corrie ten Boom quote with my when we were home over Christmas:

Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.

That's why I'm taking the "better one handful with tranquility" route. Because things don't matter. And because, in the words of Florence + The Machine, it's hard to dance with the devil on your back.

xoxo.

sunday lovin: an early christmas.

 Landon and I had an early Christmas yesterday. Since we're flying to Portland for the holidays (and we aren't checking bags), it would have been tough to squeeze our gifts for each other into our suitcases, only to bring them back a the end of the trip. The solution? Open them early! And open them early we did. We celebrated yesterday morning with donuts, hot cocoa and Christmas music. 

 I love love love what Landon gave me:

1. Moleskine Weekly Planner (My friend Maryn recommended this style to me a few months ago, and I can't wait to use it. It's got a calendar on one side of the page and lined paper on the other--perfect for staying organized!)

2. A sweet little Texas ornament, complete with the state mammal (armadillo), bird (mockingbird) and flower (bluebonnet).

3. 3-pack of Moleskine Notebooks (these are the perfect size, and, again, I'm excited about staying organized!)

4. Cavallini Numbers Washi Tape, which I've been wanting to get my hands on forever! Now that I have some of my own, washi tape is quickly becoming my favorite thing. 

5. (not pictured) Start with Why, by Simon Sinek. I've been a Simon Sinek fan for sometime now, so Landon pre-ordered the book for me. I can't wait to read it! (PS, if you're interested in hearing what he's about, watch this video)

And here's what I got for Landon:

1. Jeans (skinnies!)

2. Gift certificate to the bike shop in town

3. Framed Portland Trailblazers Print (by PRSNT on Etsy), which I bought back in August, because I just couldn't resist how perfect it was for Landon.

It was a great little early Christmas. And you know what the funny thing is? Now that we've seen our presents, we're taking most of them with us to Portland (with the exception of the framed print, ornament and gift certificate), so I guess it didn't really solve our problem after all. Whoops.

merry merry.

i adore: organized space.

 Happy Friday, friends! Hope you all had a lovely week! Today I bring you some photos from our second bedroom, which we're using as an office. I'm trying to use all the blog inspiration I've acquired over the past year to create really clean, personal and beautiful spaces in our new home, so I present: the bulletin board!

 We found this little guy for free a few weeks ago, and I love it! It's nice and big and makes the office feel very office-y. Here's what I've got posted on it right now...

Landon's cross-country schedule and recent/upcoming events (that I need to get gifts for!):

 Landon's academic calendar and a to-do list for TylerBright, which I haven't shared about yet, but an announcement is coming soon! 
UPDATE: Nope, we're not preggers. I didn't really connect that "TylerBright" sounds like a boys name, and that "announcement" implies a bun in the oven. So sorry to disappoint, but feel free to keep guessing!  

 And finally, a tile devoted to Texas, with a list of places we plan to visit and upcoming visitors that we're expecting (written on adorable old library check-out cards from my sister), and a few photos from years past. 

 Want to know the best part? Flip it over and it's a chalkboard! Hooray!

(Like how I shamelessly added my own half birthday?)

Anyone have plans for the holiday weekend?

xoxo.

blogsitter: moving + organizing [via olivia from for me]

Hi Friends! Olivia here from For Me guest postin' today!! 

Katie asked me to share a little bit about one of my passion: organization.

Moving is a GREAT time to do some major organizing.  Katie and Landon are moving to Texas from beautiful Oregon 

and are starting a new chapter of their lives. To me, it's also a new chapter for your things and the way your organize!

Step one for organizing a new space starts before you even pack up your stuff!! This is a great time, as you put things in boxes, 

ask yourself with each item if you really want to keep it!

Do you use it? Do you have a space or a thought about it in your new home?

Moving will be one of the only times you force yourself to TOUCH every single item of what you own! 

Then you won't be unpacking anything you know you don't want!

Step two is getting to put everything in and start from scratch with a clean slate! 

Here are some tips for starting off on the right organizing foot!!

1. Decorate with Organization: use jars, boxes and other tools to make your "junk" look cute!!

Source: flickr.com via Olivia on Pinterest

2 . Organize with Function: Set up a space for mail/bills/inbox

Source: knockoffdecor.com via Olivia on Pinterest

3. Maximize your small spaces: this closet holds so much, using some easy tools, cubbies, 

shelf risers, towel racks on the inside of the door. Great use of a small space.

Source: closets-organizer.com via Olivia on Pinterest