Stocking the Southern Bar
We host lots of large family gatherings, and we advise keeping it simple. Here are a few tips on what you should have on hand.
We host lots of large family gatherings, and we advise keeping it simple.
Here are a few tips on what you should have on hand:
The Basics
Your basic liquors etc. to have on hand are:
Bourbon
Gin
Light rum
Vodka
Tequila
White wine
Red wine
Craft beers
Mixers and garnish:
Club soda
Tonic water
Coke
Diet coke
Sprite (or fresca)
Lemons
Limes
Olives
“Fancier” Setup
If you want to step it up a notch, add a few more varieties of liquor and wines:
Elderflower liquor
Grand Marnier
Irish Whiskey
Scotch
Whiskey
Kahlua
Brandy
Prosecco
Champagne
Mixers and garnish:
Ginger beer
Flavored sparkling waters
Simple syrup
Bitters
Stuffed olives
Candied dried oranges
Berries
Mint
Mocktail Bar
Mocktails are the new cocktails! For a nonalcoholic bar:
Non-alcoholic beer
Non-alcoholic wine
Bitters
Alcohol-free spirits
Club soda
Simple syrup
Fruits of your choice
And there you have it, all of our best tips for stocking the bar!
Let us know what your must-haves are for stocking the bar.
And, just for fun, here is one of our favorite bars we’ve organized:
Does your bar need organizing?
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Summertime Staples
We’ve organized a lot of homes over the years and have come to find that many people seem to have the same “summer staples”. These are items that are easily packed and unpacked from your vehicle as well as readily available to haul and use around your home for casual get togethers. Here is a list of our “summer staples”.
During the summer with longer daylight hours, there is so much more time to spend outdoors. Whether it’s at the pool, going to the beach, or having a backyard BBQ!
We’ve organized a lot of homes over the years and have come to find that many people seem to have the same “summer staples”. These are items that are easily packed and unpacked from your vehicle as well as readily available to haul and use around your home for casual get togethers.
Here is a list of our “summer staples”:
Ice Chest
Table & Chairs (preferably portable)
Tents
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent (spray and citronella candles)
Beach/Pool Towels
Sunglasses
Hat
Beach/Pool Bag
Portable Dog Bowl
Designate a section of your garage or storage room to store all these items, keeping smaller items in a labeled latch bin to make the packing and unpacking less demanding. You can even get your family involved in the process making attending and hosting events a breeze!
Now go out and ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!
Desperate for your kids’ rooms and playroom to be functional? Summer is a great time to organize kids’ spaces while they are at home and out of school. We can work with them to create routines and establish good habits in preparation for the school year!
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10 Things to Throw Away Right Now
Remove items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Ten things your professional organizer would throw away right now!
If you're overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization in your home or office, it might be time to hire a professional organizer. One of the first things they will do is help you declutter by removing items that no longer serve a purpose. Here are 10 things your professional organizer would likely throw away right now:
1. Expired items
Expired food, medicine, and beauty products should be thrown away immediately. Not only are they no longer effective, but they can also harm your health.
2. Broken items
Broken items that can't be repaired or don't serve a purpose should be thrown away. Holding onto broken items only takes up valuable space and can make your home or office feel cluttered.
3. Outdated technology
Old electronics like computers, printers, and phones can take up valuable space and may not even work anymore. Consider donating or recycling them if possible.
4. Duplicate items
If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, such as multiple coffee mugs or sets of dishes, consider getting rid of the duplicates. This will free up space and make it easier to find what you need.
5. Clothes that don't fit or haven't been worn in over a year
If you haven't worn a piece of clothing in over a year or it no longer fits, it's time to let it go. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition.
6. Unused or broken furniture
Unused or broken furniture can occupy valuable space and make your home or office feel cluttered. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition and getting rid of items that are beyond repair.
7. Outdated paperwork
Old paperwork that is no longer needed, such as old bills or receipts, can take up valuable space and make it difficult to find important documents. Shred or recycle paperwork that is no longer needed.
8. Gifts you don't like or use
Gifts that you don't like or use can take up valuable space and add to clutter. Consider donating or regifting items that are in good condition, and getting rid of items that are no longer usable.
9. Kitchen gadgets you never use
Kitchen gadgets that you never use can take up valuable space in your kitchen. Consider getting rid of gadgets that are collecting dust and taking up space.
10. Old or worn-out linens
Old or worn-out linens like towels and sheets can take up valuable space and may not be usable anymore. Consider donating or recycling old linens and replacing them with new ones.
By eliminating items that no longer serve a purpose, you can free up valuable space and create a more organized and functional home or office. Consider hiring a professional organizer today to help you start your decluttering journey.
How to Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Entertaining
It’s spring! One of the most favorite times in Southern homes! We Southerners love our large porches where we can socialize with the neighbors or our backyard outdoor kitchens where we can cook and entertain anywhere from 5 to 500 guests before we get into the raw, humid heat of summer. We are a social culture down here, but how do we keep these areas tidy and neat in between parties? Let me show you how!
“Traders en route from the Caribbean to the British, French and Spanish colonies were influenced by island architecture, rich with large open porches to accommodate the humid climate.”
It’s spring! One of the most favorite times in Southern homes! We Southerners love our large porches where we can socialize with the neighbors or our backyard outdoor kitchens where we can cook and entertain anywhere from 5 to 500 guests before we get into the raw, humid heat of summer.
We are a social culture down here, but how do we keep these areas tidy and neat in between parties? Let me show you how!
Porches are fairly simple since we don’t keep much out there. Wiping down furniture and swings with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed. The porch itself can be swept or blown clear of any debris. If it has mildew, you may need a good power wash to get it all cleaned up. Most of us have taken our plants inside for winter so now is the time to bring them outside and spruce them up! (Y’all know a proper southern porch must have hanging ferns, right?) Make sure the railings and steps are safe and secure, especially if they are wood. Don’t forget to look up and make sure the ceiling fans are cleaned and old wasp nests and dirt diver houses are removed.
Outdoor kitchens need a little more TLC. Many outdoor kitchens have grills, sinks, stone counters, storage space, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas. Some even have refrigerators or other fun things, like pizza ovens! Mike and I spend one of the first weekends in spring getting everything wiped out and wiped down. We also power wash the concrete and outdoor rugs (when we aren’t at soccer games!) Finally, we make lists of things we need to buy for the upcoming entertainment season.
Wipe down all outdoor surfaces with a wet towel.
Tip: I keep all the outdoor items in closed containers because, well, Louisiana has a lot of bugs and critters.
Speaking of that, check your bug spray stock and sunscreen too. (Sunscreen expires, so check the expiration dates.)
Tip: If mosquitos are a big problem in your area, take old wine bottles and repurpose them into citronella lanterns! We have them hanging across our porch so those pesky little things don’t bother us!
We also make sure to have a full tank of propane for the Easter crawfish boil because if you grab that tank on boil day and it’s empty, you’ll be madder than a wet hen!
Here is my personal list:
Clean the grill
Wipe the counters
Scrub the sink
Clean out the beer fridge.
Clean out the trash cans and recycle cans.
Wipe ceiling fans
Check propane
Power wash concrete, outdoor rugs and outdoor cushions.
Uncover and wipe down outdoor furniture.
Uncover televisions (We can’t miss March Madness!)
Restock the outdoor spices (which live in a latch box inside because it’s too humid to keep them outside), paper goods, and outdoor linens.
Does any pool maintenance need to be done?
Check the fishing rods and tackle. (We have a pond. Hunting season is almost over so fishing begins. Remember, I live in Sportsman’s Paradise!)
Check out our Pinterest board to get some spring inspiration for your outdoor spaces!
Create a Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. It's the perfect time to declutter your closet and start fresh with a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. By investing in quality pieces that you love and that fit your style, you can simplify your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze.
Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. It's the perfect time to declutter your closet and start fresh with a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. By investing in quality pieces that you love and that fit your style, you can simplify your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze.
Choosing the Right Pieces
The key to creating a successful capsule wardrobe is choosing the right pieces. Start with a color scheme that you love and that complements your skin tone. Then, choose a mix of tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear that can be worn together in different combinations. Look for pieces that have a classic, timeless feel, such as a trench coat, a denim jacket, or a white button-up shirt. And don't forget about accessories! A few statement pieces, like a colorful scarf or a statement necklace, can add personality to your outfits.
Mixing and Matching
Once you have your capsule wardrobe pieces, it's time to start mixing and matching. Look for ways to combine different pieces to create new outfits. For example, a chambray shirt can be worn with jeans, a skirt, or even a pair of shorts. A black blazer can be dressed up with a skirt or worn casually with jeans. And a simple white t-shirt can be paired with just about anything. By focusing on versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways, you'll be able to create a variety of outfits without feeling like you're wearing the same thing over and over again.
Staying Organized
One of the benefits of a capsule wardrobe is that it's easy to stay organized. You'll have fewer pieces to keep track of, and everything will be coordinated, so you won't have to spend as much time deciding what to wear each day. To keep your capsule wardrobe in tip-top shape, store your pieces in a way that makes sense for you. Some people prefer to hang everything in their closet, while others like to fold their clothes and store them in drawers. Whatever method you choose, make sure that your pieces are easily accessible and that you can see everything at a glance.
A spring capsule wardrobe is a great way to simplify your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze. By choosing the right pieces, mixing and matching, and staying organized, you'll be able to create a collection of outfits that you love and that make you feel confident and stylish. So why not give it a try? Your closet (and your mornings) will thank you!
Need help creating a SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE?
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