Blount County Chamber Recognizes National Organize Your Files Week

Tax day is over and it is time to celebrate!  The third week of April is National Organize Your Files Week.  If you are in the Knoxville/Blount County area Wednesday, April 22, 2009, join the Blount County Chamber of Commerce for a workshop sure to be fun while demystifying the steps to organization.

Organizing Secrets Revealed
for Your Home and Office

April 22 – 9:00 – 10:30 am
Blount County Chamber office

Los Angeles organizing expert Chris McKenry will be in Tennessee on his way to the NAPO National Conference in Orlando.  During his stop over he will be addressing chamber members in an interactive setting sharing information and answering questions to make you more organized and clutter-free.  Besides recognizing the Organize Your Files celebration the seminar will look at ways to be more organized in the garage, kitchen, closets, office and with your time.

Click here for more information and to save your spot.

The Easter Bunny, Clutter and Organizers

Easter Sewing Basket

I barely remember waking up on Easter morning and rushing to see the great basket of treats left by that annual unseen rabbit.  It would be filled with yummy chocolate bunnies, Malamar Bars, marshmallow treats, and jelly beans.  Not a thing was wasted.

This week a friend said he had a craving for a Easter basket.  So yesterday while walking home from The Grove I stopped in K-Mart to up pick one.  I know it has been…well lots of years since I have been on the receiving end from the Easter Bunny but of all the hundreds of baskets the store had were definitely different from what I remembered.  Instead of sweet treats and yummy candy every basket had plastic toys that would certainly become clutter and unwanted by later in the day.  

For about the same amount of money of the pre-packaged baskets I purchased quality candies, colored grass stuffing, baskets and stuffed rabbits were available to create a custom basket.   For a hostess gift I even filled grass stuffing and chocolates in a sewing basket to take to a dinner party this evening.

The commentary to all this is any event, holiday, or gift is what you make it.  As an organizing expert helping my clients keep clutter at bay it is evident that habits start at an early age.  So even those gifts your children receive can start traits that are not seen for years to come.  Don’t just spend to buy something.  Have a clear goal when you go shopping.  If something doesn’t look like what you are looking for, don’t settle.  Keep looking or make the gift yourself.  And by the way, my friend loved what the Easter Bunny brought him!

West Week Shares Business Principles for All Industries

The interior design industry desended upon the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood last week for West Week - an annual gathering to examine the latest products, styles, and trends for home decor.  Kicking off West Week was an elite panel of experts discussing The Business of Design, sponsored by Architectural Digest.

Donna Livingston, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Mimi London, and Stephen Shadley shared their beginnings in the design industry and answered questions on how to succeed during the current economic conditions.  All are at the top of their field and recognized as Architectural Digest’s AD100 list.

When asked how to thrive during this economy, all emphasized that they are focused on the future.  All but one offers product lines.  Stephen Shadley principal works out of a live/work space in New York where he enjoys working late if necessary.  Martyn Lawrence-Bullard stressed his products are highest in style and quality but price for a broader market.  Commenting on his new candle line he shared “you may not spend thousands on furnishings, but almost everyone can afford a $30 candle”.

Donna Livingston shared “difficult times define who we are.”  She went on to emphasis the importance of on-line networking and the power of blogs.  Ms. Livingston’s portfolio has appeared in numerous international publications.  Though she does not advertise she likes to feature “rooms of the month” for direct marketing pieces to clients. 

Mimi London, like the rest of the panel emphasized the importance of  learning the “business” in design.  It’s not enough to be creative, you have to invoice, market, and make your business work.  Those new to the industry were encouraged to began their careers working and learning in established firms before branching out on their own. 

The organizing industry shares the same business principles as the design industry.  Both industries work to make homes a place for enjoyment.  The ability to work closely with clients and understand how they live is something both groups share. 

The entire panel was optimistic for the coming year.  While spending may not be as it was a year ago we all agree having a beautiful and organized space gives comfort and enriches everyones life.