When I got there, I changed my mind.  I credit that to the wonderful women and energy in the room.

So I ask — have you created a vision board?  If so, I would love to see it!  Email it to me!

What are your thoughts on vision boards?  Some think it is hokey….which is why I ask.

I learned about vision boards while reading Success Principles by Jack Canfield.  The idea was to visually put your future dreams and goals out to the universe and the universe will respond.  Or something like that.

Here is what my old vision board looked like:

Vision Board (2011)

Side View

Other Side

I will post my new {still in process} board tomorrow.  I would love to show off your board!  Make sure to email me your thoughts and picture!

jennifer@pureandsimpleorganizing.com

Until next time…

Surprise for you folks today!  My dear friend, Lauren Nix, is guest blogging {again}!  She wrote a post awhile back that got a lot of exposure and comments — so she is at it again!

—————————–

The QBIC {Queen Bee in Couponing that is!!} has made a return!!  I’m back and super excited that Jennifer has requested another round of my couponing savviness. My previous guest post, ‘Goodbye Coupon Chaos’, had some great comments and questions from her readers, therefore creating today’s spinoff post.

A few readers wanted to know who, or what websites, I follow for my deals.  My first experience with couponing, and very first transaction, can be credited to Crystal at MoneySavingMom.com.   Her site is GREAT for beginners OR seasoned couponers, such as myself.  Her site is very well rounded with grocery deals, retail deals, how to create a budget, and tips for a more simplistic life.  Once I felt I was armed with enough coupon knowledge, I ventured out to other blogs/sites.  Now, please don’t become overwhelmed because WOW…there is a TON out there!!  I researched a number of sites and finally found that Jenny at SouthernSavers.com works best for me.  She is my go-to girl for grocery & drug store matchups.

You’ll need to take into consideration the ladies (or gents) who run these blogs are widespread across the U.S.  Coupons and sales are regional and are subject to varying. I love Southern Savers because 99% of the time her matchups are spot-on with my current ad. However, there are times when she may have a slight variance in her ad. Therefore, I make it a habit to visit other smaller, local-to-me blogs for the most accurate matchups.  It is my goal to use coupons and time efficiently.

Organizing your coupons allows you to match your current store deals quickly & with ease; therefore, saving you time, money and keeping you on budget.  Otherwise, you’ll have one big pile of mess and will be more likely to quit before you even start.  Take the time to organize your coupons each week using whatever method works best for you and your lifestyle.  Check out my previous post here for solutions on organizing those coupons.

Another great tip is meal planning.  I highly recommend this for families of 4 or more.   You will be amazed at the cost saved each month by planning your meals around your weekly sales.  You will also be less likely to throw out expired foods.  Take a quick inventory of your cabinets before shopping–Use what you have on hand first!  Look over your sales ads and start planning.  I recently stumbled upon a meal planning site called Food On The Table.  This site uses your local store’s ad and compiles recipes with the current sales.   Super easy…and again, using your time efficiently!!  Hurry over to Food on the Table and get their online meal planning service FREE for life when you use promo code SPRINGFREE throughout the month of May.

Have any awesome tips?  I’m always game for extra advice!

Be sure to check out her blog as well:  Bella Pink Vida.

————————

Thanks Lauren!  Such great advice!  I must say organizing coupons and planning your meals is a great way to use your time and money wisely.  When I know what’s for dinner everyday of the week, it makes my grocery shopping more streamlined, and my week less stressful.  Pesto Chicken tonight honey!

The 3M Ladies!
Gina, Erica, & Jamie

About halfway through the day, Erica came over with a folder and a smile.  You could tell she was up to something.  She opened the folder to reveal a picture of me — that was just taken by the way.  She says (with the biggest smile ever), “Will you autograph this picture for one of our coworkers?”

Backstory:

Erica & Jamie were presenting the Post-It Notes Necessorize project to 3M and the marketing team.  They flashed my headshot up on the screen so everyone could see who they chose.  Their coworker, Jim, stopped in his tracks and said aloud, “She is cute!”  I think he was a little embarrassed and the girls wanted to pull a joke on him.

Reveal:

“Jennifer,

We added the beautifully autographed picture of our Post-it(R) Necessorize(TM) Hollywood Star to our co-worker Jim’s photo wall in his office. See below for his big smile…..”

There I am!

Absolutely hilarious!  And Hollywood Star? *Blushing*

Thank you ladies for a great opportunity and a wonderful time!  It was a pleasure meeting each of you!

Until next time…

Williamsburg Winery, Oct 2011

What can I say about Raymond?  Well to start, he is my best friend!  Without him, I would have given up on my business and myself long ago.  He is my words of wisdom, words of advice, business manager, best friend, the list goes on and on.  He and I can have the best conversations on any given day.  I like big talk (aka stimulating conversation).  He can cook like no one’s business.  We all know I like to cook, and am pretty darn good at it if I say so myself.  He is a different kind of chef — a resourceful one.  He can make gourmet out of pasta-in-a-box and veggies.  He can flip eggs and pancakes in the skillet.  I cannot — mine ends up in the floor.  He is — my favorite person in the world.  ♥ You Raymond!

Our 10 Year High School Reunion – yes we went to high school together.

Now, we all know I love my birthday.  It baffles me sometimes when other people don’t love their birthday as much as I love mine.  Raymond is somewhere in the middle of “love love” and “it’s just another day”.  He is spending the day at the golf course — just another day at the office for him.  We are heading to Alive After Five at Piedmont Row this evening.  Live music, good food (hello Del Friscos), and a good time.  His birthday present:  the beginning of his brand.  I am having his logo digitized and business cards made.  More to come on this later.

Until next time…

First, congratulations for clearing out the unwanted items.  Second, this should be the easy part.  Third, don’t make this into several projects for yourself.

The mistake I see most people make is getting bogged down with what to do with their stuff.  If you think something has value, then research it on eBay.  If it is worth more than $50, sell it; if not, then donate it.  Pick 2-3 charities/places that you would like to donate and be done with it.

Don’t fret over finding the perfect match for everything.  Why?  Because that stuff will never leave your house!  You will have wasted all that precious time and energy clearing it out — to sit in the floor “waiting” for a home.  Get it out — now!

With that said — here are some suggestions on what to do with all your unwanted stuff.

*Computers:  Erase personal data before selling or donating.  Try the Eraser software (eraser.heidi.ie).

SELL IT

• Ebay
• Craigslist
• Amazon (great for books)
• Gazelle (buy used electronics)
• Consignment stores
  • Name brand clothing (yes, Talbots. no, Target)
  • Home goods in excellent condition

TRADE IT IN

• Best Buy
  • Electronic devices (computers, cameras, Blu-ray players)
  • Start the process online
  • Drop off: prepaid mailer or in-store.
  • Receive an electronic gift card for value.
  • Best Buy erases your data before disposing of it.
• Target
  • Electronic devices (phones, cameras, tablets, iPods, GPS units, etc)
  • Drop off: prepaid mailer or in-store
  • Receive Target gift card for value.
• RadioShack
  • Electronic devices (similar to above)
  • Drop off: in-store
  • Apply value to a purchase or receive a gift card.
• Apple
  • iPads, iPhones, iPods, computers (any brand)
  • Receive a gift card for value (only for items that can be reused).
  • If item cannot be reused, then Apple recycles.
• Kodak
  • Cameras (all brands), camera accessories, printers
  • Drop off: prepaid mailer
  • Receive check for value
  • Will give you recycling options

DONATE IT

• Goodwill
• Salvation Army
• National Cristina Foundation
  • Will find an organization that can use your computer, printer, cameras, fax machine, etc
  • Group will arrange pickup or drop off with you
• The Kidney Foundation
• Classroom Central
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Paper supplies, pens, pencils, stickers, etc
  • Teachers purchase these supplies at a deep discount.
• Humane Society/Dog Rescues
  • Gently used blankets, towels, comforters
  • Use them for dog bedding
• The National Furniture Bank Association
  • Gently used beds, dressers, tables, chairs, couches, lamps
• Dress for Success
  • Larger skirts, pant suits, blouses, blazers, jackets, shoes
  • No men’s clothing, accessories, sportswear, or casual items
• Soles4Souls
  • New or gently used shoes
  • Will even take singles
• iLoveSchools
  • New or gently used notebooks, binders, art supplies, and backpacks
• Bags4Kids
  • Backpacks, duffels, and tote bags

I know this list is long and probably overwhelming — so pick 2 to 3!

I recently attended a Stella & Dot jewelry party.  I was invited by the host to showcase jewelry organizing ideas.  Well, I kinda got sucked into the jewelry {totally not the plan}.  Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

SERENITY SMALL STONE PENDANT ($59)

SERENITY SMALL STONE DROPS ($34)

PIPPA NECKLACE ($69)

PIPPA EARRINGS ($49)

CAPRI CHANDELIER EARRINGS ($49)

MADELINE PEARL NECKLACE ($94)

IPHONE CASE ($29)

Lovely, right?  I might have to work some of these into rewards for my resolutions/goals.

Until next time…

Graduation 2010

My mom deserves a big hug, kiss, thank you, and more for being my mother.  I know it hasn’t been easy … an only child who is rather independent can be a handful … at times.  ;)

If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “You look just like your mom”, I would be a millionnaire.  It is no denying who my mom is.

My mom made me who I am today … yes Dad did too … but it isn’t Father’s Day.

I get it from my momma … I get it honest.  A lot of things.  Good looks.  Smile.  Attitude.

Older picture – but one of my faves.

I’m not sure when “friend” was added to our relationship … but my mom is definitely my friend.  I call her to talk about anything and everything.  I try not to call too much … I don’t want to wear her out and she is a busy woman afterall!

Unconditional love and support is all anyone can ever ask for.  And it is exactly what I got as a child and now as an adult.

Thank you Mommy for everything that you have done for me and the love and support that you continue to shower upon me!  I ♥ You.

I am off to celebrate two beautiful ladies graduation today.  :)

Katy Kosachenko Rust — MPA — Class of 2012

Katy and I have been friends since 9th grade.  She thought I was the weirdest kid in Math class.  It’s quite possibly true that I was.  I don’t know many kids who sit in the front row … dying to answer every question … with their legs indian crossed … stuffed in the desk.  I loved math, and was weird.  I’m glad she gave me a chance to explain my quirkiness.

Leticia Foster — MBA — Class of 2012

Leticia and I met through the MBA program at UNC-Charlotte.  I was assigned as her mentor for the first semester.  Little did I know she would become such an amazing friend!

Congratulations ladies on your amazing accomplishment!

Well I’m back and in business.  Raymond and I got back from the family vacation late yesterday.  What a week!

All but 2 got sick with some stomach virus…myself included.  I haven’t been that sick in years!  When you are ready to go home from the beach, you know you don’t feel well.

We had nice weather which allowed for long walks and long talks.  I love having big conversations with Raymond.  He is wiser than he realizes.

Shacked up in a condo with 6 adults and a baby was…different.  Especially considering 4 of us were sick.

Needless to say … I’m happy to be home!

There’s no place like home!