Reader Space: A Gracefully Organized Closet

Tomorrow we ring in a New Year and I couldn't be more excited for all that lies ahead in 2015!  Later this week I will share some tips for sticking with the resolution to get organized, but today we are sending off 2014 with our final Reader Space feature of the year!

The spaces you organize, create and share always inspire me to get something done in my own home.  Whether it be update a box with decorative paper or clean out an entire drawer, we are always encouraging and motivating one another.  That is what makes this place so magical to me.  So thank you to all of you who submit spaces and share your stories; I really can't wait to see what y'all do next year!

I have always said that by putting a little effort and love into your organizing, you will most likely feel inspired to maintain those systems.  It will also add excitement to your day-to-day routine when you come across those organized moments.  For example, imagine waking up and heading toward your closet in the morning.  It is one of the very first places you will see, and your experience can impact your mood going into the day.  Spending time sifting through piles or feeling frustrated that you can't find your favorite blouse, may instantly put you into a panic mode or leave you feeling disgruntled.  But walking into a space that you have set up to feel like a boutique, a closet that allows you to see at a glance everything you own and a space that is simple to maintain each day, will surely bring a grin to your face.

That is what Maria set out to do.  She blogs over at Graceful Order and is always looking for ways to gracefully take control of her home.  She created a personal closet haven to welcome her and prepare her for each day.  She wanted something simple yet special, and she did a beautiful job achieving that. 

So I asked...


What is the main function of your space?

"My walk-in closet also functions as my dressing room.  I need everything easily accessible so that I can dress up and accessorize quickly in the mornings." 

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"The best thing I did was color-coordinate my clothing.   It took a while the first time I did it, but it saves me so much time to know where a certain blouse is, and it even makes putting away laundry faster.  Any tip that speeds up laundry duty is a winner in my book!  Also, I try not to crowd my closet with items that I no longer wear.  If garments are jammed in the closet because they have no room to breathe, they will be more likely to fall of the hanger and putting away clean laundry will be more of a chore."

What items did you find were essential while organizing this space, and why?

"I purchased boxes and containers to store items that were not for regular use.   I also wanted to maximize all the vertical space and I purchased bins from Target, which were perfect for the top shelf.  I labeled every bin using a big enough font to know the contents at a glance, especially the ones in the very top.  I also purchased kid-sized felt hangers for my pants and that small change gave me more leg room (hehe) to walk around my narrow closet."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?

"I tried make the space pretty in ways that were also practical.  I added a tie organizer to an empty wall to display my chunky necklaces.  I also added a tiny plant to bring in some color and "life" to the space.  The rug that I added is plush and comfy and the gold stool was not only a practical spot to sit while putting on my shoes, but also a finishing touch to the space."

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"I lived in my home for almost 10 years before fixing up my closet so I appreciate this set up so much more!   I love being welcomed by this bright and colorful little closet every morning.  Also, my morning are so much smoother!  The closet stays organized because the systems in there work for me, except of course when I get dressed up for a special event and I try on like 18 outfits before deciding on one (usually the first one that I tried on)."

I learn so much from these features.  Child size hangers to save on space?  Smarty pants! (wink wink)

Another great organized closet to go down in the books!  This closet offers a great use of vertical space, labels in easy-to-read large lettering, less frequently used items stored up top, a cozy spot to sit, a delightful jewelry display, shoe storage galore, color coded clothing system and clothing that she actually enjoys wearing.  So much to love and learn from, I give Maria a standing ovation.

You can read many more details about this gorgeous and graceful closet, over on Maria's blog here.

Now, time for me to go try on 18 outfits myself as we have some celebrating to do tonight!  Happy New Year everyone!

*  All images courtesy of Graceful Order

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life, big or small.  They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room.  Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!

Recent December pics

Well.  I’ve been a bad blogger lately, haven’t I?  Sorry for the lack of posting lately!  We are soaking up as much family time as possible and I’m so happy we still have the rest of the week.  I’ve been much better about sharing pics on Instagram – it’s so fast and easy.  When my […]

The post Recent December pics appeared first on The Sunny Side Up Blog.

Monthly Organizing Challenge: Let's Get The Party Started!

Happy Monday!

How was your Christmas holiday?  I am still in a cookie coma and have a fun filled week planned with the kiddos, however, it dawned on me this weekend that it was time for our final link party of the year!  Let's end the year on a high note!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE this time of the month when you get to stop by and share your organizing projects with me!  You can see many of the projects submitted last month in the recap post here.  I think that will sum up the importance of these challenges and why I absolutely LOVE when you take a moment to share your projects with this amazing community.  And remember, I love seeing anything and everything from organizing a purse or drawer to making over a closet or piece of furniture. 

It has continued to be busy around here as we finished up a few organizing projects and even a master bedroom refresh to ramp up for our big kitchen update.  Here is a round-up of some of our favorite projects since our previous link party.

Knowing that our kitchen was about to be ripped to pieces, I knew we would crave a relaxing place to rest our heads in-between demo and installation.  A little master bedroom and dressing room update and now we struggle to get out of bed to work on the kitchen.  Funny how that goes, isn't it?!

And you can find out how we saved on that refresh here.

I was so honored when Home Depot offered to work with me on a fun painting project.  I instantly jumped at the opportunity to finish up a gallery wall we have been planning for years.

Although it took us over a year to organize all of our storage areas (closets, garage, shed and storage room), we finally did it!  It was my goal to have our storage room organized with all of our tools for the kitchen renovation, and that was the final space to complete before kicking off our biggest project yet.  It was such a victory for us, we are still celebrating the outcome!

In-between finishing our storage room and putting a hole in our wall, I took a few days to head to Texas.  There was no lounging about it, I was there to work with a dear friend to organize her office / guest room.  We were both thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate, and I was so sad to leave her (and her amazing space)!

The holidays decided to sneak up on us, so we began decking the halls and walls.  This year I was all about quick and easy projects and I kicked things off with some no sew embellished kitchen towels.

As far as decking the halls was concerned, we decided to let it snow!

And to deck the walls we went with some glam diy gold foil art.

We shared the remainder of our simplified holiday decorating here.

Along with all of the fun projects we have been working on, I also finished my five year blogiversary series.  If you are looking to catch up on some behind the scenes blog reading, you can check those posts out here:

• A Day in Our Life
• The Bread & Butter of the Blog
• 10 Things I Have Learned Along the Way
• Photography Tips & Tricks (new!)

Now, it is your turn to link up and share your favorite projects with me!

An InLinkz Link-up

As always, an over-sized thank you to all who participate in these challenges.  Checking out your posts is my guilty pleasure every month, so bring it on!  This month I will also be sharing some of your projects via social media and as always, will be doing a recap at the end of the party.

Psssst!  I can't begin to express to you how excited and grateful I am for the number of inquiries I received in response to my call for 2015 contributors!  I received such an overwhelming response, I have been making sure to give each submission my full attention.  I hope to have decisions made and emails sent within the next few days.  Smooches to everyone that took time to write in!


IHeart Organizing is not responsible for the content uploaded and shared within the Monthly Link Parties on within the #wiorn hashtag feed.  However, it is a great way to join together in making organizing fun, so let's use our best internet etiquette and have a great time with this social party.

my christmas home - 2014

Hey friends and Merry Christmas Eve!  We just got home from a fun-filled family vacation in New York City and are very much looking forward to celebrating Christmas here at home in Lexington, Kentucky.  

Wherever you're celebrating I hope you have a wonderful holiday!  From my family to yours Merry Christmas!  

Christmas Card Stair Garland

Happy almost Christmas everyone!  Are you ready?  We are wrapping things up around here.  Literally.  :)  I was going to gear up to face the crowds today and hit the mall for a few last minute things, but my little buddy isn’t feeling well.  He is asleep across my lap sharing space with my laptop […]

The post Christmas Card Stair Garland appeared first on The Sunny Side Up Blog.

IHeart Holidays - Decking our Halls in 2014!

Hello friends!  I apologize for my light posting schedule this past few weeks.  Sometimes life hands you a few clues that it is time to slow down, savor the moment and focus on the bigger picture.  So that is what we have been doing.  This year we skipped our holiday countdown tradition and made our own memories with no agenda... and it was freeing. 

And if I am being completely open and honest, after becoming a little overwhelmed with all of the endlessly beautiful and inspirational blog-land holiday home tours, I decided to take my time with our decor and piece together small updates and projects each day vs. binge decorating and causing myself to fall apart at the seams.

{Let it Snow project shared here}

So it may have taken me a little lot longer, but we LOVE how cozy and warm our holiday decor is and made sure to inject a lot of family touches that have meaning and intention.

Things were a bit different for us this year as we have been rearranging everything on the upper level to prepare for kitchen/living room demolition day.  With that, we have completely taken over the entire lower level as our primary living space while also adding a few touches of the holiday season.  It was a bit chaotic for awhile there, but so very worth it!  And I am not the type to pack things up two days after Christmas, our decor will most likely stay out until the first or second week in January.

Any of the decorating that has taken place, was done with a lot of hands.  Little hands in fact!  The boys owned majority of their playroom decorating, they insisted on having a special tree for all of our family favorite ornaments.  How could I say no to that?  I always feel a tear for when we pull out our "baby's first Christmas" ornaments, especially ones that date back to over thirty years ago. #sappy

I made the skirt for their new tree out of some inexpensive fabric and hot glued pom trim around the edge.  Ten minutes and no sewing required is a win in my holiday decorating book!

Across the way I hung the print I ordered last year from the Caravan shop and paired it with a paper chain the boy's made.

Above the entertainment center, I updated the previous "o" with our faux berry wreath.  It was the wreath we used on the front door last year, however, a dear friend gifted us a fresh boxwood wreath  for our door this year, while the berry wreath looks right at home in the playroom.

Let's chat cocoa stations.  We made one last year and loved it so much, that we added one to the play room this year.

It is the first place the kids head to after school each day and this has been by far the biggest hit of the entire holiday season.  They are old enough to make everything on their own, but my middle guy declared himself the cocoa barista.  He even told me he wants to open a cocoa shop when he grows older.  Ambitious fella!  The kids are not the only fans of this little setup, I love that I have quick access to a cup of hot cider mid-day.  I don't see this hot spot going away any time soon.  {free cocoa printable source here}

Just like everything else, the setup was easy peasy and consists of a Keurig, mugs, packets and pods, jars of toppings and straws cut to size.

Adorable mugs found at Caribou Coffee here and here.

Rounding the corner is our family room.  Our over-sized brown leather sectional was moved up to the garage and swapped out for our smaller version from upstairs.  The rug and table were moved down as well.  The switch gave us enough room for our fresh cut Christmas tree!

We also brought down a handful of the frames that were previously hung in our living area upstairs.  I am going to blame my camera lens on their crooked appearance... I am sure it has nothing to do with our measuring or the two younger boys that love to jump on the sofa.

The frames were filled with the two gold foil pieces I made last week, along with holiday photo prints taken over the past few years.

For the pillows, I selected the softest, coziest covers I had on hand.  We do a lot of snuggling during winter months, and comfort is far more important than pretty.  The pretty came in via the florals.  Y'all know my winter sanity saver is to keep a small bundle of fresh flowers in the home, once again I went with super long lasting carnations and paired them with a bundle of holiday greens.  The remainder of the greens landed on top of one of the photo frames and in a vase with some artificial holiday stems.

Of course, the tree is the star of the show!  Each year we head to the same nursery to select a fresh cut tree, and I can never get enough of the aroma that fills our entire home!

Again, simple was the theme throughout, and the tree was no exception.  Just a variety of gold and colored bulbs to compliment the colors used throughout the rest of the lower level.  I did break down and purchase a few new frosted bulbs as they added a really pretty softness while also balancing out the bolder glitter and glossy options.

The mantle is covered in more freshly cut garland, lights and white poinsettias.

I stayed up and wrapped ALL of the gifts for friends and family last night!  Whew!  Feels SO much better to have it all done!

The tree may be the star of the show, but my wrapping counter is my absolute favorite spot in the entire house right now!

Right inside the closet is where majority of the magic is stored year round....

This year I dug out my favorite tags, a roll of tape and extra rolls of ribbon to keep on the counter throughout the month of December.  This keeps the kidlets out of my wrapping closet, as this year they were in charge of wrapping the items they picked out for others.

I already have pens, markers and scissors stored on the hanging rods full time, so the addition of a tiered basket (which I already owned), gave me the handiest (and most festive) wrapping space around!

The moment I spotted Lindsay Letter's new Christmas line, I knew that her Peppermint Moss canvas would feel right at home in my studio.

Every time that I round the corner to my space, my heart does a little dance.  You can bet your booty that this Christmas art will stay up year round!  I couldn't love it more, it completely compliments my style.

Both cabinet doors received a little wreath treatment, and a cloche was filled to the brim with mini-ornaments.

Feeling inspired by the pretty glass box on Grace's desk, I borrowed ours (which was previously holding sunglasses in our now non-existent entryway) and simplified the items being stored on my desk.

Also, my desk faces the Christmas tree and mantle, making it the best seat in the house!

The gorgeous gold garland I made last year for our dining room storage hutch, was strung over our built-in bench this year.

Wrapping things up with another garland project; this one was hung over the stairs to our lower level.  With the help of mini clothespins, it holds pictures of my most favorite people!  Another stack of cards came in today that I can't wait to clip up!

Another project that might stay around for a few extra weeks...

Whew!  I guess we know what happens when I don't post for a few days!  Post overload! 

And don't be fooled by any of the pretty you spot in these photos... I have piles of laundry that are starting to smell, stacks of papers to be filed and I just can't seem to stay caught up on dishes and dust.... but we are making the most of the holiday magic and I hope you all are able to find time to do the same.  With the chaos that is taking place on our main floor, creating a holiday ready haven in our lower level has been well worth the efforts. 

My kid's will be home from school for the next two weeks and we have some holiday traveling planned (minimal hosting for us this year), but I still plan on popping in with a few quick posts.

Merry Christmas everyone!

If you would like to see many of the same decor items used in different ways, check out my 2013 holiday home tour here.