February 28th, 2010
Are you one of those people who constantly switches lanes on the freeway to find the “faster” lane? Do you ever notice that despite your efforts to get ahead, you usually end up in the same place as those who just stayed put and drove a little more conservatively? If so, this principle might apply to the rest of your time management skills.
Many people believe that in order to get more done, you have to work twice as hard and move twice as fast. But I couldn’t disagree more. When rushing to complete a task, more times than none I end up making multiple mistakes, costing me even more time to correct them. Had I simply been more mindful and moved at a slower pace, maybe then I would have saved time.
In fact, I think it’s time we start to remember the age old lessons from our childhood fables. Do you remember the one about the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race, said the tortoise as he crossed the finish line before the hare.
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, The Tortoise and the Hare
Posted in time management | Comments »
February 23rd, 2010
Books can be a difficult item in the home to know exactly what to do with. Some people have them cluttering their homes in disorganized piles on the floor, overwhelmed by their presence. While others just don’t know how to properly display them. The most common solutions being to stand them up right in books shelves or stack them neatly on a coffee table. But why even bother buying these expensive and archaic dust collectors (sorry books, the Kindle is the new sheriff in town) if you don’t plan on showing them off?
That’s right, the art books large enough to make their way to the top of your coffee table, are filled with beautiful layouts and stunning photos, that are often neglected behind their impressive dust jackets. So how do you display your books AND their precious content at the same time? Open them! I know, who would have thought.
Just like open faced sandwiches, open faced books are just as tasty to look at AND half the carbs. When methodically arranged with other closed books and decorative accessories, the open face book will not only spruce up your table, but you might even learn a thing or two. In fact, make a habit of displaying a different page every week – or everyday if you are the ambitious type. And remember, you may not be able to change your husband’s (or wife’s) old habits, but you sure can turn a new page in your own book.
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, displaying books
Posted in interior design, organization, tips | Comments »
February 10th, 2010
Recently while organizing a mother of 4 very cute and athletic children, Heather and I encountered our very first recycling stumper. Normally we have a place for everything to go – batteries, old cell phones, expired paint, no problem. But what do you do with 4 bags full of unwanted sports trophies? Yes, these are 4 very talented children.
Well, first I did what any curious person would do, I Googled “recycling sports trophies.” To my dismay, I discovered that only a handful of trophy shops (Awards Mall and Lamb Awards and Engraving) have started recycling programs in which they disassemble your current trophy, add a new top or plaque, and voila! New trophy. Unfortunately however, none of these shops were local, and I didn’t want to spend money on postage or gas to get them there. So I went to plan B.
Next I called around to the local Boys and Girls Club and YMCA, just in case they started a recycling program and merely lacked a PR firm to get the word out. Surely the eco-friendly Santa Monica chapters had thought of something like this right? … Negative. At this point I was ready to throw in the towel. And that’s when a little birdie suggested that I create a posting on Craigslist for “free trophies.” Yes, yes, that’s perfect I said. If you post it they will come!
And you know what, they did! I got so many replies in fact, that I was forced to become selective. I questioned each trophy applicant for their intended purpose and made sure it was a worthy one. And slowly, bag by bag, the trophies disappeared. The first recipient was a law student from UCLA, who repurposed the trophies for a charity roshambo tournament – that’s fancy for rock, paper, scissors. He was so considerate to my cause, that he even followed up with a pic of the trophy refurbishment (see above) – thanks Isaac! Next, was a production assistant who wanted my trophies for film props. Sweet, my trophies are gonna be famous! And lastly, was a soccer coach, who just like me, was a true environmentalist at heart.
So what have I taken away with me from my recycling adventure? That anything can be recycled if you just put your mind to it!
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, Google, recycling trophies
Posted in Uncategorized, recycling | Comments »
February 6th, 2010
Has your closet become a cemetery for unwanted or forgotten articles of clothing? Do you find that you never have anything to wear but have tons of clothes in your closet? Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone.
As a professional organizer, the most common item we remove from a residential space, is clothing. Men, women, and children alike, outgrow, outwear, and eventually get tired of their attire. Somehow that “favorite shirt” magically transforms into an outdated relic that steals prime real estate from your incoming purchases. And most often, people just leave them in the back of their closet to die. And you wonder where that smell is coming from!
So how do we solve this closet crises? It’s simple really. Your options boil down to a few of the following… donate to a friend or family member, donate to charity, fix it, or trash it. But wait! Before you think about trashing that sweater because it’s not worth the money to fix or because it’s never coming back into style, think about repurposing it with Reknit!
Reknit is a small mom (no pop) shop, in which you send in an old sweater (could be the one your ex-boyfriend left that you decided not to give back) and in return you receive a newly knitted item from your old fabric. Genius I know. And what’s even more cool, is that each month Reknit makes the old material into a new article of clothing, which is voted on by the users of the website. For example, during the month of February, if you send in said sweater, you’ll receive back a pair of cut-off gloves. h|b <3’s Reknit!
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, Reknit
Posted in new products, new services, recycling | Comments »
January 30th, 2010
Most client’s who have cats always ask me the same thing… where should I put the litter box? Most often I try to come up with an ingenious place to hide them, like inside a cabinet somewhere – out of sight but still accessible for your furry friend. However what if your place is too small and there are no places to hide? Look no further I say. With the new ModKat Litter Box, it’s so cool looking you won’t want to hide it – unless you’re the type that doesn’t scoop everyday, then please by all means, hide away.
With it’s rooftop access, the ModKat saves on floor space, provides privacy for your cat, and cleanliness for your home. When the cat climbs out of the top entrance, litter granules fall back inside via the perforated top. The locking lid keeps dogs and kids out, while non-skid feet curb unwanted movement. A rounded ergonomic scoop with sweeping brush stores neatly on the side. The commercial-strength tarpaulin liner is easy to clean and reusable, with handles for effortless removal and emptying. No more ugly protruding liner because it fits neatly inside. An unparalleled experience for your cat–and you.
- Size: 15″ t x 16″ d x 16″ w (Box size was designed and tested for cat comfort, including easily turning around inside to dig.)
- Available colors: black, red, blue, green, yellow, and white
Can we say it’s about time? Just because a system or a product isn’t broke doesn’t mean it can’t occasionally be updated, right? Like shoe racks, can someone please design a new, attractive, yet well functioning shoe rack? … I digress. Back to the cat poop issue. With a willing client, we bought and tested one of these bad boys. And to our surprise, the cat used it! So not only is the ModKat fashionable and functional, but those furball makers like it. Success!
Brooke
PS. To be an honest blogger, I stole the informative second paragraph from the A+R website, one of my faaaavorite stores on Abbot Kinney in Venice. (Hi Rafael!) Sorry, it’s Saturday, I had a long work week.
Tags: A+R, Brooke Butin
Posted in new products | Comments »
January 23rd, 2010
When I think of the perfect rainy day, I imagine sitting by a fire, doing a puzzle, while drinking hot cocoa with those little marshmallows that dissolve way too quickly. However the thought of burning what used to be a perfectly good oxygen producing tree, is a bit of a buzz kill for me. Until I discovered the eco-conscious Java Log that is.
The Java Log, which is made from your small decaf mocha latte with nonfat milk’s waste, diverts around 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from landfills per year. And amazingly emits up to 78% less carbon monoxide than it’s common wood counterpart. Meaning less strain on mother earth and more reason to support your 4 dollar a day coffee habit.
Ah, now if only I could find mini organic marshmallows and recycled cardboard puzzles. Hmm.
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, Coffee Bean, Java Log
Posted in new products, recycling | Comments »
January 18th, 2010
Recently while shopping at the Container Store (Heather and I’s home away from home) I came across an expecting couple buying organizational items for a nursery. Upon seeing the soon-to-be mother rub her bulging belly, I experienced the typical cooing response, thinking to myself “aww isn’t that cute.” However when I glanced down towards her hands, I was quickly snapped into organizer mode and went straight to work. Without hesitation I walked up to the both of them and said…
“Hi, I don’t mean to bother you, but if you’re looking to double your new baby’s closet space and wish your clothes to stay on their hangers, I highly suggest forgoing the not so attractive tubular hangers and instead try the children’s size Huggable Hangers. Not only are they half the width of the plastic hangers, but the velvet flocking holds up even the most slippery of materials. AND, since you will most likely receive different size clothing from friends and family, I’d also grab a pack of Sugar Boogers; dividers which categorizes your baby’s clothing by age and size. (from newborn, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos, Toddler +) Trust me, when you have a squiggly baby with a half hanging on diaper, you’ll appreciate being able to grab the right size item the first time.”
God I’m nosey! But at least I’m helpful.
Brooke
PS. Sugar Boogers may be purchased at stores such as Babies R Us, The Container Store, and for the internet savvy, Amazon.com. Huggable Hangers may be purchased at The Container Store with limited color selection, while the entire collection may be purchased on the Home Shopping Network.
Tags: Brooke Butin, Huggable Hangers, Sugar Booger
Posted in new products, organization | Comments Off
January 5th, 2010
If you weren’t fortunate enough to have your Living Christmas Tree picked up by friendly little elves this year, but you happen to live in Los Angeles county, here’s a tip from ol’ St. Nick, on how to discard your tree…
If your tree is small enough for the green bins:
1. REMOVE all ornaments, decorations, tinsels, and stand from the tree
2. CUT tree in pieces to fit into the green bin
3. PLACE the tree pieces inside the green bin for regular pick-up on collection day, where it will then be recycled into compost and mulch
If your Christmas tree is too big to cut and place inside the green bins:
1. REMOVE all ornaments, decorations, tinsels, and stand from the tree
2. PLACE the tree next to your green waste bin on collection day, for the city’s curbside recycling program
* don’t procrastinate – the program only goes until January 16th, at which point you might have to make alternative arrangements, and nobody likes a sappy backseat.
Happy New Year!
Brooke
Posted in recycling | Comments »
January 1st, 2010
It seems like everything has gone green these days. Green clothes, (organic cotton) green water bottles, (stainless steel) even green grass – who woulda thought. But did you know that web hosting can be green? It’s true! Just like a washer and dryer can be Energy Star approved for efficiency, so can the servers we use to host our precious little websites.
We discovered this little fact when we became unhappy with our current web hosting provider and began looking for new. In the process we stumbled upon LA based Socalweb, who to our surprise was green! Not knowing anything about the technical side of website hosting, we were walked through all the in’s and out’s of their technology and how their servers are like Energy Star ones, in that they consume less electricity to operate and therefore aren’t as power sucking as most large web hosting company’s servers. After all, those things stay on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Not only that, but whenever we had a question regarding our account or needed support, Socalweb was easy to reach, knowledgable, and very nice. Compared to our first provider (who shall remain nameless) it was the difference between shopping at Costco vs your local farmers market. So if you like quality over quantity and buy organic over pesticide, try applying the same concepts for everything you buy and every service you use. From your paraben free body lotion to your business’ web hosting provider. After all, green isn’t just a color anymore, it’s a way of life!
Tags: Brooke Butin, SoCalWeb
Posted in new services | Comments »
December 30th, 2009
From the moment I discovered The Living Christmas Tree Co. at an eco-fair many months ago, I wanted to blog about it. I knew I had stumbled upon something big. But before I could push a product/service that I had never used, I decided I had to try it for myself.
Growing up, we always had a fake Christmas tree. It was economical, easy to store, and best of all tree-friendly. However when I met my “significant other” many years ago, I also met his family’s tradition of cutting down the Christmas tree. At first I was excited. I loved partaking in the age old tradition of selecting the perfect tree and then hacking it down by hand, sappy hands aside. And even more so, the amazing fragrance that the real tree left in the home. But when it came time to discard the dying Noble Fur, my heart broke as it was hauled onto the street for city removal. I’d like to believe it became someone’s firewood or a timeless piece of furniture, but I doubt it.
So how does one smell their tree and feel guilt free too? Rent a live one! I know, the concept is so simple. Why hasn’t someone thought of this before? Here’s how it works. First you go to LivingChristmas.com and decide what tree type you want. Then you select the tree height. Pick what day you wish it to be delivered and picked up, and voila!
Like a Christmas stork your baby tree is dropped off right at your doorstep – by men dressed as elves no less – and there you have it; a no hassle, less mess, no chopping down required, eco-friendly Christmas tree! Less mess you say? Yup! Because the tree is still alive (meaning the tree has it’s roots) it no longer needs to cry needle shaped tears for you to vacuum up before your cat or dog do. Annnd, for the cherry on top, the company even sends you cute little reminder e-mails for when it’s time to water your tree.
Exhibit A:
Dear Brooke,
Have you hugged your tree today? More importantly, have you watered it? Don’t forget that your tree is alive and needs a little TLC.
- Using a watering can with a long spout, pour water slowly into the pot until it seeps into the tray below.
- Don’t allow excess water to stand in the tray for more than a couple of days
- Be careful not to let the tray overflow
- Don’t forget that over-watering can be just as hazardous as under-watering. If you’re not sure, poke your finger down into the soil about an inch. If it feels dry, your tree needs water.
Merrily,
Do I really need to say more? I didn’t think so!
Brooke
Tags: Brooke Butin, eco-Christmas tree, The Living Christmas Tree
Posted in new products, new services | Comments »
