Category Archives: Organizing

Leave the Maybes

After considerable thought I have come to the conclusion that maybe means no. Period. If I am ambivalent about acquiring something, that means I am simply not ready or it is not the right thing. How many “maybes” live in your closet, cupboard, garage or basement? When was the last time you reached for a […]

Say No to Say Yes

I was painting a porch several years ago for my friend Cate, and to keep me company she put on some amazing Irish music. The artist was Sharon Shannon and the CD was entitled Blackbird. Sharon, it turns out, is known for her talents on the button accordion and fiddle. It made me wonder if […]

Label ALERT

I love answering your questions! Below are some questions I frequently receive about labels, with my answers. Please send me more questions! Just reply to this email to ask. Dear Bettina, How important are labels, really? Isn’t it enough I organize my stuff and make sure it has a permanent home, I need to take the […]

It’s About Time

Today it’s about time. Downtime, vacation, PTO (paid time off), whatever you call it, it’s an essential ingredient to enjoying life. We all have the same number of hours in a day and days in a week. How we use them is up to us. Is it obvious what is most important to you, by where you […]

Why Be Organized at All?

In my opinion, there is no virtue to “being organized.” I don’t think of being organized itself as something to become. I think of it more as a practice: something I do. And if practiced consistently, being organized becomes second nature. I have a habit of picking up our small house every morning. I call […]

The Long Road to Simplicity

If you’re thinking about buying something, buy the best quality possible. Notice I didn’t say the best quality you can afford. Buy the best quality you can find. Period. You see, when it comes to enjoying life simplified, quality counts. I know, quality costs more. There is a reason for this. Better materials, better workmanship, […]