Where did this month go???

First off, I have to apologize for not posting lately. Truth be told, I've been dealing with a pinched nerve by my neck/shoulder, which has limited my time at the computer. But, all is much better now, and I'm back in full force (almost!). It's been another crazy couple of weeks here at Simply Organized - I'm continuing my work on the garage reorganization project (it's a big one) and have done a few new consultations that could turn into some exciting work this fall.

Last week, I also gave a speech to a fun group of ladies who sell Lia Sophia jewelry. That line of jewelry is one of my favorites, so it's always fun to be around them and all of their great new items for the fall. A special shout out to my friend Linda who invited me to come and speak. There were about (60) people in attendance and they seemed to really appreciate learning some additional ways to simplify their lives on a daily basis.

I'm continuing my work with the new Facebook Page (Simply Inspired) and it has really taken off in a short time. My training from Up Tribe Media in June really prepared me to get it jump started. There are already about (800) people who like the page, and it's only been up about three weeks!! Huge numbers and I appreciate each and every person who supports that page as well. We're going to continue talking about inspiring things there - from daily quotes, to food/wine & restaurants, friends and family and the love of our animals. I'm having alot of fun with that page and learning more and more about the people there!

Enjoy the ride!!

First off, I have to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who continues to be so supportive of Simply Organized. Things are just really heating up with the business. Within the past month, we have started working on some really exciting projects (more details to come)...and the fan page continues to grow as well. Be on the lookout for a brand new website in the near future too!! I am so very excited about that and have been working behind the scenes to make it all happen!

Do you ever feel like the summer is just moving way to fast? I know I do! Within the past (2) weeks - I have celebrated a big birthday (and it was truly fun to move into this next stage of my life), continued my work at Simply Organized, kept busy with consulting work, & launched a new Facebook page. If you haven't stopped by yet, please come on by. It's called Simply Inspired, and it can be found at http://www.facebook.com/bethbracaglias.simplyinspired

It's a combination of all the things that I truly love - organization (of course), food, wine & great chefs, jewelery, design, the beach and positive inspiration. In the weeks and months to come there is going to be some fun discussions, giveaways & so much more. The first ever SI Virtual Happy Hour was last Friday, and it far exceeded anything I had imagined. It was fun to have such a lively discussion on such a wide range of topics with people from all over the country (and world)!

Thanks to everyone who has been along for the ride - it's going to just keep getting better and better!!

July is my favorite month

Well, that shouldn't be a surprise - I really do love July! Why? Well, not only is my birthday just a few days away (so is my wonderful husband's birthday later in the month), but also July is always a time of sun, fun, friends, the pool & the beach!

I had the most fantastic week! Last Saturday, I celebrated an early birthday with some of my friends. When you have a holiday birthday, sometimes that is just what you've got to do to get everyone together. One of my very best friends & Nick put together a really fun party. We all met at a fantastic local restaurant and drank yummy cocktails, ate delicious food, and just truly enjoyed the night! Thanks to those who showed up and helped me to celebrate such a wonderful time & ring in my next decade!

I've also started working with a new client this week. She has alot of organization projects to do, and that is a great thing! Her first project is to reorganize her garage and usually, those are the big projects that we at Simply Organized love. It takes some time, hard work & patience, but when it's all done - it's going to be fantastic. We are also going to be working on her storage area & brand new home office as well. There is alot to keep us busy, but I'm thrilled to be working on such exciting projects.

Another fun thing that was celebrated last week was that the town I live in had a 43rd Birthday celebration & kick-off for the next revitalization of the downtown area. It was so interesting to hear some of the county executives talk, but also to see the excitement of the younger generation who are also working towards making it thrive with new ideas and inspiration. I'm thrilled to live here & to be a part of all of the excitement.

I wish everyone a fantastic holiday weekend full of family, friends and lots of joy!

Another Fantastic Week

Sometimes I ask myself...how do I keep it all straight? Well, you've got to know that my answer involves the use of organization! I am a planner to the nth degree, and always have been. But, this week was a challenge, even for me. Which, by no means is a complaint, just a fact.

Simply Organized has been keeping me so busy, and I am thrilled that is the case. I've picked up a few new clients (whoo-hoo!) and have also been coming up with some fun new ideas. We ran a contest on the Facebook Page last weekend (see the page for the picture of the glass with the paper clips). Congratulations to Julie Krull for winning the prize! There are plenty more contests on the horizon... Also, there are some big changes coming down the line at Simply Organized, so be on the lookout...believe me, it's all good!

I had the opportunity to take a trip to the Container Store over the past week too. I realize that I just can't stop talking about that store, but as a Professional Organizer, I never will. It's a place where I shop with/for my clients, but also where I gather inspiration. If you haven't had a chance to check out the latest Simply Organized video on the Facebook Page (more to come) some of the future ones will also highlight my favorite products from the Container Store. It's hard to narrow them all down, but I did it. **A special shout out goes to my friend Theresa, who helped with the filming of the video. We were both loving the ease of use of the Flip Cam (that I won from Verizon FiOs!!). So, not only do I giveaway fun stuff on the Simply Organized page, but I also got the opportunity to win something myself.

On a personal note, this weekend is an exciting one! Friends are traveling to town to help celebrate my birthday (a week early) with some other wonderful friends here and I have a feeling that it's going to be a fantastic night - good food, great fun and lots of laughs!

July is coming....

Well, in my life July on the horizon means much to celebrate:

1 - My Birthday - it's a big one coming and I'm really excited about it
2 - My hubbie's birthday - yay!
3 - My brother's birthday too
4 - Sunshine, beach, hanging at the pool and relaxing!

Well, haven't had much time for #4 on the list, but I'm working on it. I had the greatest call with a fantastic coach on Monday and it reminded me of something -- I really need to take time for MY life. It's something that I consistently need to work on (and have been trying to for years), but it's always a good reminder to talk about it again. I think that we all, (as busy people out in the world trying to make a difference) often get caught up in all of the details of daily living, but what we really need to do is sit back, take a deep breath and realize that it's the simple things that truly matter. I like to wake up to a beautiful sunrise, hang out with my boy Dixon in our yard, appreciate the gorgeous flowers on an evening walk and just relax when needed.

Work continues to keep me busy - and that is great! I love helping my clients to organize their homes and offices. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to work with them and give them back the time that they need in order to live a more balanced life as well.

Also, Simply Organized launched it's new look on the Facebook Page yesterday. Many of the Fans of the page wrote in to let me know that they really like the new look. I spent alot of time thinking about the banner and got some excellent help from a very talented designer. Want to know who did the work? Contact me in the comments or send me an email to beth@simplyorganizedtoday.com

It's Only Wednesday, But...

WOW...has it been a busy week already! I feel like it should be Friday, but yet, there are a few more days to go until I can relax. I spent the past weekend at the first ever Up Tribe Media Retreat, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. I met an amazing group of women, and learned so very much. We had an opportunity to work together, have some amazing meals cooked by a wonderful chef and learn alot! It was a weekend that I will not soon forget. Thanks to the awesome Robin Rice for leading it and being so giving of her time - of that I am forever grateful.

Simply Organized continues to grow with more new clients and a stronger social media presence. Be on the lookout for some very exciting new things to come in the near future. Special shout out to all who are helping the business grow in so many different ways!

Tonight, I am looking forward to a fun night out in DC with a new friend - one that truly inspires me to be a better person, learn and inspire. This weekend should be relaxing doing some things around the house and other fun activities planned around town. Much, much, more to share in the next few weeks!

June is finally here!

Yes, it's June and I'm ready for it! I've got alot going on this month, both personally and professionally. It's only (1) month and (1) day until the big 4-0 for me...and, you know something, it truly doesn't bother me at all. Hey, 40 is the new 30 (or more like 25, as I just told another friend turning 40 tomorrow). What is the big deal anyways? Age is just a number! My mom is still so young and no one ever believes her when she tells them her age. And, on any given day, even with all my energy, Suzy P has more than me! I guess it's inherited, because my wonderful grandmother, Dee Dee, rest her soul, lived to be in her late nineties. So, hopefully, I will continue on for many, many, more years to come.

Simply Organized has been rockin'!! I've been busy with clients that I've been working with for on continued projects, oh, and by the way - check out the updated pictures on the Simply Organized Fan Page on Facebook at facebook.com/simplyorganizedtoday. I have some new ones that I just posted this week. And, I've been working with a few new clients on home and office organization projects as well.

Tonight, I'm giving a speech in conjunction with Claire's Connections, at Lemongrass in Crofton, MD where I will be discussing how to Organize Your Busy Life - Simple Steps that you can take RIGHT NOW to make life easier. I'm looking forward to it and hope to see many new faces interested in organizing and simplifying their lives there!

Can it really be May 26th??

I keep talking about how the month of May has been flying by...but truly, how it can already be May 26th is amazing! It's been quite a month full of meeting new people through networking, connecting with some friends from the past, and just making things happen!

Here at Simply Organized, things couldn't be better. I've been working with some clients on their homes and offices on a consistent basis, consulting with some potential new clients and working to make the business grow stronger each day! I've been continuing to work on the Facebook Page, an expanded new website to be launched in the fall, and guest blogging. By the way, I'd like to give a special shout out to the amazing Cassandra Rae and her company, Simply Fearless, for having me post on Simply Fearless Fridays last week). There was no way I could pass up working with her. Not only is she an amazing coach, Simply Fearless & Simply Organized just fit! If you didn't get a chance to read my guest blog, it is posted as a link on the Simply Organized page.

I've also been keeping busy helping to support my friend's endeavors as well. I have a group of AWESOME women who I like to support -- a friend of mine that I've known for over 30 years (yikes!) is an extremely talented singer. Nick & I like to go and watch her sing her heart out when she is playing near us. I had the pleasure of watching her perform last Friday night at a club, and she completely rocked it out, as usual! On Sunday, another friend of mine took me to her friend's pottery studio where I got a "backstage" tour of the inner workings of what goes on behind the scenes of making unique and beautiful pottery. I will most certainly be back, and for those of you who know I like to give unique gifts, you might just be a recipient of an original!

Another Exciting Week in May!

Things just continue to get busier in the spring and especially the month of May. Often, I take a look at my calendar and wonder just how the heck I'm going to get it all done. It's called organization! I most certainly apply to my own life what I coach others to do with time management and how to get more balance in their lives through organization.

I often say that my motto is that for every minute spent organizing, an hour is gained (thanks to Ben Franklin for that quote). It is so true, because many of us have so very much on our plate on a daily basis. We must remain focused and organized in order to get it all done! For more hints and tips, visit the Simply Organized Fan Page at www.facebook.com/simplyorganizedtoday

On the personal front, this particular week has been a fun one the celebration of our 11th wedding anniversary. Time truly does fly! I am so very lucky to have such a wonderful partner in my life and I am thankful for him each and every day. I truly hit the jackpot!

We spent the weekend having one awesome meal after another - not usual for us to go out both nights - but, hey, you only live once! Friday night, we ate at one of our very favorite restaurants in the area, Aida Bistro, where the entire staff made us feel so very special. Thanks to the entire Barbera family and to Chefs Sean and Lisa who wouldn't know how to even make the meal anything but wonderful! On Saturday night we went to Kings Contrivance, another local favorite, yet one that we haven't been to in many years. For those of our friends who celebrated our wedding reception with us after the destination wedding in Antigua, they will remember that KC has very special meaning for us. The staff treated us like royalty and it was a perfect night out.

Also, Happy Birthday to my phenomenal sister, Amy. She is an inspiration to me each and every day on how to live my life. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and my very best friend. Through everything, she is always there for me and I love her so very much! :)

Time Flies in the month of May

As I woke up this morning, I wondered - could it already be May 12th? Yes, it sure can! It's been another busy week at Simply Organized - I am working with a new client in Annapolis on their beautiful new home! It's so fun to be a Professional Organizer, I get to help people beautify their already gorgeous homes. This one is actually my dream home, if only... It's hard work, but soooo worth it! I've also been continuing to learn at my new consulting job (also in Annapolis). I feel like I am a person who should have an apartment in Anne Arundel county somewhere which would allow me to go between my house in one county and then to work in another!

Last night, I had the opportunity to meet a friend in Washington, DC at one of the restaurants that I helped to build at my prior job. The restaurant is called Potenza, and for anyone who lives in the DC metro area or will be coming to visit in the near future, I highly recommend it. The wine, the Italian food, the incredible bakery and the service were all fantastic! Not to mention the excellent company I had last night as well! I really do appreciate being treated like such a VIP. The Potenza project was one that I worked on for over 1 1/2 years at my kitchen equipment consulting position. It was a tough install, but worth every minute!

More exciting things to come this week - Friday is our 11th wedding Anniversary and we are planning to celebrate at the restaurant where we had our reception after getting married in Antigua. We can't wait to go back there, it's such a sentimental favorite.

Another Fun Week at Simply Organized

WOW! Things just keep going strong, and believe me, I am not complaining! Last week I did more work in Annapolis and it's coming along nicely. I spent Friday morning with some of my favorite women at a meeting led by the awesome Ginny Robertson! I met Ginny years ago when I was a Training & Development Specialist and the thing that amazed me the most was when I joined her fantastic group last fall, she actually remembered me from my prior life. I mean, this is a woman that meets so very many people on a daily basis, and she recalled my name and where she met me 10+ years later - truly incredible! I love going there, becoming inspired by other business women's stories and connecting. It's been a great way to learn and grow.

This weekend was one where I got a chance to relax (or chillax' as my niece would say) and Nick & I went out to our newest favorite Italian restaurant for a fabulous dinner. Saturday, we ran errands (gotta get 'em done, y'know?) and then I want to a fun Open House to pick up some new items for Simply Organized. I want to give a shout out to the incredible Becky with Taco Bird for doing a fantastic job, not only with my items, but with the entire Open House!

This week has brought more work, connections and plenty to do. It's never, ever difficult, because I truly love my job! :)

What a week!

So much has been going on with Simply Organized since I last blogged, I'm not sure where to begin...The end of last week brought more exciting clients to work with and challenging projects that I love to do! I truly feel blessed to be able to do what I love while helping others get organized.

Last Friday, I also had the chance to visit with some good friends in Annapolis, which is always fun. It was a spectacular day to be outside and in that gorgeous hometown of mine! Saturday, Nick & I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law and two of our gorgeous nephews. Carson's birthday was earlier this month and he is very into Toy Story - so we brought him a Buzz, Wooy and rocket set. He was sooo excited and I just love that he loved it. He is such an amazing kid - and whew, the vocabulary he has will just blow you away. Tyler is getting so big and is just more adorable by the minute!

Sunday I had the opportunity to attend a fantastic Yoga class at Coreworks Fitness. It's one of the best classes I have ever attended! Thanks to Sara and Yoga Joe for making the afternoon so great. If anyone likes Yoga and is looking for a new place, definitely check it out. In my class were a few Facebook friends (who I got to meet in person) and we had such a great time! That evening, I was on Glenn Garnes' Abundance radio show talking about the Yoga class, where he also gave a shout out to Simply Organized!! For more info on Glenn and all the great things he is doing check out the link to his radio show on my Simply Organized Facebook Page. Lots more happening and more to come!!

Another Busy Week!

It seems like each and every week is jam packed...but, that is the way I like it. I started off on Monday meeting with a potential new client to go over needs for a kitchen and master bathroom organization project. Then, went over to a current project (a Salon & Spa), where I spent time working on a complete reorganization of one of the spa closets. It's tiny, which is what made it a challenge, but I left there 95% done. I will just need to go back and work on labeling and finishing touches next week.

Tuesday brought a meeting with another potential client for an in-office assesement, and it immediately turned into a (3) hour working session. I'll be back next week to finish the office reorganization job - very exciting! The owner has a great concept that he's working on in Washington, DC and it was so exciting to hear about it - maybe I will be able to share more info in the future. That evening, a friend & I went out for a Girls Night and had a blast catching up over fondue - yummy! I really love the Melting Pot and they were offering a fantastic deal - appetizer, salad, split of a meal and dessert for $35! We had a really entertaining server -- come to find out he just completed his internship with Walt Disney World last year, so we had the WDW CP in common. He asked me when I did my internship, and I didn't want to admit it was 21 years ago! :)

The rest of the week has been extremely busy too. Last night, the Awesome Womens Hub on Facebook kicked off their Awesome Woman Bountiful Basket Giveaway and Simply Organized is thrilled to be a part of it!! If you haven't been to the site -- it's certainly worth checking out. SO is giving away $40 worth of products and the entire basket is valued at over $450! You have until next Wednesday, April 28th to enter.

A Weekend Full of Giving Back

It was a beautiful weekend in the Mid Atlantic! I had the opportunity to go to an event on Friday night where my friend sells many of her unique finds (purses, jewelry, etc.) and a portion of the sales go to a worthy cause. This time the proceeds went to breast cancer research. Previously, she held her events from her home, but now has a storefront at a salon. I met many interesting women while shopping and even got pampered with a manicure. It's always great to see friends, find some great gifts to benefit a cause and get pampered!

On Saturday, I had a SO client in the morning and then went down to the ARC in Annapolis - to help clean up the garden with the Chesapeake Outdoor Group. What a wonderful cause and it just energized me to help out this group to make the ARC's area even more beautiful. The bonus was catching up with friends from high school - some I hadn't seen in many years! We continued hanging out in Annapolis afterwards and really had a wonderful time. I would certainly like to continue to be involved in their work in months to come!

After I got home late in the afternoon, Nick & I went out to dinner to a new restaurant in the area, Facci. We had the honor of meeting the Chef/Owner, Gino (who is from Naples, just like the Bracaglia's) and the wonderful manager, Lisa. She's from NJ, (like Nick) and is Italian, so you can just imagine how well they hit it off. We'll be returning again, as the food is excellent and worth the trip!

Sunday, we stayed busy working in the yard and got oh-so-much done. It's really shaping up with all of our hard work! On another Simply Organized front - my fans over at the Facebook fan page helped me to get the word out and to achieve the goal of (200) followers this weekend!! We're now at (202) as I write this blog. I'm so excited and very thankful for everyone who is helping me grow! I have a great week ahead with lots of SO work to do, but happy to be doing it!

TGIF!

Yesterday was another fantastic day! I had the opportunity to go to Annapolis and spend time with a few of my favorite people - one of my best friends, her two wonderful children and some clients that I always enjoy. Life is good!

I also received some really great news re: some additional consulting work, and that just continues to keep the calendar full. Sometimes the stars just align, and I feel blessed it is happening right now. I know for some that this may sound a bit zen-like, but I believe in karma 100%. What you put out there, you get back. Sure, bad things sometimes happen to good people, but overall, when you work hard, treat others well, and just try to be a kind and compassionate person, the good things comes back your way. I truly feel like all of my efforts for many months with SO and other personal things that are now occuring are coming to light.

I plan on continuing to "pay it forward". Tomorrow, after a client consultation, I am heading to Annapolis to work with the Chesapeake Outdoor Group for Greenscape at the ARC to help to clean up the grounds and give back to the community. For those who are in the area and want to get involved, please contact president@chesapeakeoutdoor.org for more details. Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend!

Taking Time for Work & Life...

This week is just flying by. I guess when things are busy, that just happens. But, I'm also trying to take the time each day to enjoy the simple things. Whether looking at the beautiful blooming flowers or talking a walk with Dixon, I just want to take a moment each day to relax, unwind and see the beauty in the things all around me. I really do love the spring and it just seems to always make me feel more energized.

Business continues to pick up, I still think it has to do with spring cleaning, but also because of all the hard work put into the original start-up and networking of Simply Organized. My friends, family, fans of the Facebook page and people that I meet continue to amaze me with the support I receive for the business. My goal was to have (200) fans by May 1st, and as of today, I have (179) on the SO Fan Page. I think if I continue to work hard at it and with the support of everyone, we will be able to get the rest of the lucky 21 by the end of the month!

Today I have another busy day with SO consulting work and also visiting with one of my very best friends for lunch. Excited to see her and her two adorable children. It's so nice that we are able to meet up with eachother in what is already a busy week. I'm finally beginning to practice what it is I often preach...taking time for a well rounded life.

An Amazing Day!

Have you ever just had one of those days where things just seem to be positive? I had one of them yesterday. I truly do like to think of myself as an optimist and a glass half full kind of girl.

Yesterday Theresa & I spent a nice, long time in the Container Store. It really is like an organizer's heaven. I came out of there truly inspired and full of ideas for my clients and with many ideas for my own home. Nick & I always call it a work in progress, so it's fun to check out organization products that work for us as well. Oh, I also found out that they may be opening a new store in Columbia (whoo hoo) in the next few years. When asked, we were told by an employee that it is "in the plans". I will continue to wait with serious excitement!

I also went to a networking event in Howard County where I met some interesting professionals from all kinds of backgrounds. The topic discussed was specifically related to networking itself and what to do once you leave an event. When I got home, I received a welcome surprise gift from a woman who I truly respect - another Professional Organizer (and national speaker) who I met last fall. She sent a CD entitled "Amazing Things" - it was so thoughtful and I love it!

My SO fan page continues to grow and I can't thank all my friends from AHS, Clemson, jobs I have held throughout the years and all of the others for continuing to support my business. I am meeting many other "virtual" new fans who suggest the site to others and I can't believe I've added 100 fans in just over 10 days. That is some AMAZING progress. Here's to another positive day!

How Much Do I Love being a Professional Organizer?

I don't even know where to begin with this post. When I go into a client's home for an introduction and meeting, sometimes I never know what I'm going to find. That is okay, because it's part of the Simply Organized process. But yesterday, I had a client tell me "Beth - I can't believe what a difference this has made. I'm not sure if I want to take a picture of the closet or hug you!"

Today, my friend Theresa and I are taking a "research trip" up to The Container Store in Rockville. We have been petitioning the CS site to please, please, please open a location closer to Howard County. I mean, why not? I would even visit an Annapolis location... Since I grew up there, I would happily head thirty minutes in that direction - just gives me yet another excuse to go. I already go there for Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Sur la Table, Paper Source, Whole Foods, etc. Oh, and did I mention that I just love to visit with my AHS friends when visiting there?

Anyways, I know that this trip is going to be more fun than I can imagine. Sending (2) Professional Organizers to The Container Store is like sending kids into a candy store! I know I will come back even more inspired with many, many more ideas to share with my SO fans on Facebook.

A Simply Busy Week!

It truly is a great time of year to be a Professional Organizer. I think it's because everyone becomes more motivated to work on indoor and outdoor projects once daylight savings occurs and spring weather finally is here. I know it makes me want to clean up the house, office and the yard. For me, it's a week of new clients, continuing to work previous clients and networking meetings all over the area. I will be busy all week long getting the word out on the business and working hard to help others get their homes and offices organized!

It was a great weekend over on Facebook as well - The Simply Organized Fan Page got it's 150th Fan! Considering that a week ago the number was less than 70, I'm definitely going to call that excellent progress!! It really is great to have such a wonderful network of friends and family and new fans who are suggesting the site and getting the word out there. I have fans from all over the country and have a few international ones as well. We also had the first contest winner on the page - Delia Gottke won a SO gift set for suggesting and having the most people join the page.

It's another beautiful day in the Mid-Atlantic, so if you can, get out, even just at lunch and enjoy it!

A Simply Beautiful Simply Organized Day

This is definintely one of the most gorgeous spring days so far in Maryland. The birds were up early (like me!) and now the sun is brightly shining down to make it a memorable Sunday.

I just got back from spending time in the yard with Nick. We have spent quite alot of time out there lately on the weekends. The snow really got our poor ol' house and we lost one of our main trees in the front as well as some other smaller shrubs. The good news is that now we can at least pick out what we want to have in the yard. The best benefit of living in a somewhat older neighborhood is that the trees are so mature and gorgeous this time of year. But, it also requires much more maintenance when all the leaves and branches come off!

On the Simply Organized front, the Fan Page on Facebook continues to grow. A week ago before I issued the challenge to my fans to suggest to their friends and family, the site was at 70 or so. Today, as I type this, SO now has 149 fans - whoo hoo! It is far exceeding my goal of 150 by May 1st! Very exciting news and for me it's nice to know people want those hints and tips.

Wherever you are following this from, enjoy the rest of your beautiful day!

Happy Birthday Carson K

Today is my nephew Carson's 3rd birthday. Sometimes, I just can't believe how fast time flies...seems like just yesterday that he was born...wow!

I had a fantastic day yesterday on appointments. So much is going on right now with life in general and with Simply Organized, but it's all good. I have no complaints, I feel like I thrive when things are busy. Last night Nick & I went out for a nice meal at a restaurant where the owners are U of MD grads, so that always makes Nick pleased to support his fellow Terps.

I'm looking forward to another weekend spent outside working the garden. I may even convince Chef Nick to cook us up one of his Italian specialties. It's going to be another beautiful weekend here and we'll be using it to our advantage. I truly love the spring!!

Welcome to The Simply Organized Blog!

This is my first post and I am excited to share with you all my hints, tips, and all the latest and greatest going on in my personal and professional life. Things have been busy with Simply Organized and I'm sure it's because spring cleaning is on everyone's mind.

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a wife to my wonderful husband Nick, sister to Amy and Michael, daughter to a phenomenal woman that I owe so very much to (Suzy P), aunt to my eleven nieces and nephews and entrepreneur. Most of my time has been spent in the Maryland and DC area, although I have also lived in Atlanta, GA (on 3 separate occasions), and Florida. I went to school at Clemson in South Carolina (go Tigers!) where I spent a semester working at the Grand Floridian on the Walt Disney World College Program and another semester at Clemson as a Presidential Intern to Dr. Max Lennon.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Management with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Early in my career, I was in retail management with Bath and Body Works before moving into Human Resources. It didn't take me long to figure out that recruiting was the avenue I wanted to take within HR. I began as a Technical Recruiter before moving into Corporate Recruiting and then into Training and Development in the Information Technology realm. I have also taken master's coursework at Johns Hopkins University in Organizational Development.

For the past (15) years I have assisted homeowners and business owners to organize their homes and offices. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping others to create a space that they love. Whether it's a smaller job such as a linen closet or pantry, or an entire basement or garage reorganization - I'm up for it. No job is too small or too large!

That's it for now. I'll continue blogging away in the near future!